Goodwill’s biggest donation yet: the money to build a new store

Goodwill is used to getting some pretty generous donations, but it’s rare for the organization to get over $90,000 to help build a new store.

The newest Goodwill “blue” boutique opens this week in Sumner. It was made possible by a personal gift from private donors Clara and Ottie Ladd, along with the money from JPMorgan Chase & Company.

Ladd, who passed away last year, owned and operated Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants in Pierce County, Spokane and Coeur d’Alene. His wife says he loved giving opportunities to young people, and his restaurants often provided a first job for many.

“And he fervently believed in Goodwill’s mission – to help people develop the skills they need to find meaningful work,” she says.

The Sumner “blue” is Goodwill’s third boutique in Pierce County. If offers the best merchandise culled from all of the items donated across Pierce County – featuring designer apparel, shoes, accessories and more from name brands such as Tommy Bahama, Ralph Lauren, DKNY and many others.

Store operations fund more than 30 job training and other educational services offered at Goodwill’s four regional Work Opportunity Centers. The investment will produce $750,000 in area economic stimulus and fund job training and placement for 250 unemployed over the next five years.

The Sumner “blue” boutique, located at 926 Main Street, opens May 8 at 11 a.m.