WILMINGTON, Del. – April 13, 2026 – Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County will host its 2026 Inspiration Awards Luncheon on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, bringing together more than 350 business and community leaders to celebrate workforce success and the people and partners helping make opportunity possible.
The event comes as Goodwill continues to deliver measurable workforce impact across the region. In 2025, Goodwill helped place 484 job seekers at an average wage of $17.37 per hour and delivered 110,000 career development services, underscoring the growing importance of accessible training, employment support, and community partnership.
This year’s honorees bring that impact to life through stories of perseverance, service, partnership, and opportunity.
• COMMUNITY PARTNER OF THE YEAR AWARD
University of Delaware Department of Fashion and Apparel Studies & ReSpool (Newark, DE), recognized for a long-standing partnership with Goodwill centered on textile reuse, student engagement, and community impact.
• MICHAEL DEREMER PERSONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Michael Deremer (posthumous) (Newark, DE), Customer Service Associate, Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County, honored for nearly 53 years of dedicated service.
• SENATOR WILLIAM V. ROTH, JR. ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Brendan Popp (Wilmington, DE), Coach Assistant, RIV Athletics, recognized for demonstrating how meaningful employment can build confidence, independence, and long-term growth through the right support and partnership.
• GRADUATE OF THE YEAR AWARD
Nathan Waydelis (Lincoln, DE), Food Service Worker, Delaware Veterans Home;
Yaire Ordonez (Magnolia, DE), Associate, DMV Motor Carrier Services; and
Tatianna Benson Parker (Frederica, DE), Food Service Associate, Bayhealth Hospital, recognized for their determination, work ethic, and success in Delaware’s Project SEARCH Program, delivered through a collaborative partnership among the Department of Education, Department of Transportation, Bayhealth Hospital, Capital School District, Caesar Rodney School District, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Goodwill in Kent County.
• ARLINE DOCHERTY TEAM MEMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD
Barbara White (Wilmington, DE), Career Navigator, SCSEP, Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County, recognized for her compassionate support helping seniors build confidence, skills, and employment readiness.
“Goodwill is dedicated to helping people build skills, gain confidence, and connect to meaningful employment through the Power of Work,” said Colleen Morrone, President and CEO. “The Inspiration Awards Luncheon celebrates the people and partnerships making that possible. Together, we are expanding access to training and opportunity, strengthening families, businesses, and our local workforce.”
Goodwill invites businesses, elected officials, community partners, and supporters to attend and support the event through sponsorship or ticket purchase. Individual tickets are $125, and sponsorship opportunities are available now at www.GoodwillDE.org/Awards. Organizations are encouraged to commit to sponsorship by April 20 for maximum visibility.
More than a sponsor, participating organizations become workforce and community partners, helping fuel local talent, celebrate changemakers, and expand access to opportunity. For event details, sponsorship opportunities, and tickets, visit www.GoodwillDE.org/Awards.
About Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County
Goodwill of Delaware & Delaware County is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of life for people facing barriers to self-sufficiency, through the Power of Work! Our donated goods/retail program funds our mission and aims to help protect our planet through the responsible reuse and recycling of donated items. Our community based workforce development programs (mission) empower people to reach their full potential, provide for themselves and their families, and contribute to the economic and social growth of their communities. Please visit www.GoodwillDE.org to learn more and join us in building brighter futures.
