Dear friends & neighbors,

Thanksgiving 2022 gif — Photos by Beth Skogen Photography

In the almost two years that I've been with Goodman, I've learned something incredibly valuable: Even when faced with immense challenges, a group of people can come together to achieve great things.

I saw it in action once again the weekend before Thanksgiving, when Goodman staff, hundreds of volunteers and members of the community came together to supply Thanksgiving groceries to more than 4,000 Dane County families.

When the weather forecast for the distribution weekend promised to be frigidly cold, volunteers showed up anyway, dressed in their warmest jackets and snowpants – smiles on their faces.
When we put out the call for food on Saturday, Nov. 21, because we were way short of our goal, you turned up on Sunday with cars filled with stuffing and gravy, oil and cranberries, canned fruits and veggies.
Local businesses stepped up bigger than they ever have before, providing financial sponsorship, hosting fundraisers and volunteering.
So many local schools, organizations and individuals hosted food drives to help us out.
And thousands of you made financial gifts that not only funded our Thanksgiving Basket program but will also support the work we're doing all year long.

My favorite quote is, "Be the good you wish to see in the world." The good you wish to see in the world is obvious with every act of kindness you do. Thank you for being a part of our community.

With gratitude,

Letesha Nelson, CEO & Executive Director