Goodwill of the Finger Lakes’ Hope in Bloom Gala Returns May 8
Past ESL Federal Credit Union President & CEO Faheem Masood to receive Good Neighbor Award; Flaum Eye Institute’s David DiLoreto, M.D., Ph.D., to receive the Dr. Gwen Sterns Visionary Award; proceeds support Goodwill’s mission programs across Rochester and the Finger Lakes
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Goodwill of the Finger Lakes will host the 2026 Hope in Bloom Gala on Friday, May 8, from 6 to 10 p.m. at Woodcliff Hotel & Spa in Fairport. The signature event, emceed by News 8’s Adam Chodak, will bring together community members, partners and supporters for an evening celebrating the transformative impact of Goodwill’s mission across Rochester and the Finger Lakes region.
Hope in Bloom reflects the power of growth, renewal and opportunity made possible through Goodwill’s community-based programs and services. All proceeds from the gala will directly support those mission programs, including Goodwill Learning Academy, 211/LIFE LINE, Goodwill Vision Services, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and Good Neighbor, which provide critical resources that helped more than 171,000 people and their families last year.
“While many people know Goodwill through our stores, our work across the Finger Lakes region reaches far beyond our retail operations. Every day, individuals and families overcome barriers and move toward brighter futures through our community program offerings — bringing our mission to life by elevating people, community and planet for a good today and a better tomorrow,” said Jennifer Lake, president and CEO of Goodwill of the Finger Lakes. “Revenue from our stores is essential, but it covers only about 85% of the cost required to sustain these life-changing programs, leaving a significant gap. It is through the generosity of our philanthropic supporters that we are able to close that gap — ensuring that hope, opportunity and support remain within reach for those who need it most. Together, we are not only expanding our impact — Goodwill is where your stuff starts new lives and builds stronger futures for our entire community.”
Stories of hope — personal testimonials from the community and Goodwill team members — will be interspersed throughout the evening, showcasing the influence of donor support to sustain and provide access to Goodwill’s programs that create pathways to independence, stability and opportunity. During the celebration, Goodwill will also honor two exceptional local leaders whose contributions have made a meaningful impact across the region. The Good Neighbor Award will be presented to recently retired ESL Federal Credit Union President & CEO Faheem Masood, and Flaum Eye Institute’s David DiLoreto, M.D., Ph.D., will receive the Dr. Gwen Sterns Visionary Award.
Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are available now. For more information, visit goodwillfingerlakes.org.
About Goodwill of the Finger Lakes
A 501(c)(3) charitable organization, Goodwill of the Finger Lakes positively impacts the lives of more than 171,000 people each year through its mission: Elevating people, community and planet for a good today and a better tomorrow. Headquartered in Rochester, New York, the organization’s unique social enterprise model takes an innovative approach to sustainability, workforce development and job creation opportunities for individuals with barriers to employment while also generating revenue to support its many community impact programs and services. Goodwill’s community impact programs include Goodwill Vision Enterprises (formerly ABVI, Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired), 211/LIFE LINE, workforce development, 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, and Goodwill Learning Academy, with a long and successful history of providing essential services to the Finger Lakes region. The organization’s more than 750 individuals use their passion and expertise to find innovative solutions to address pressing social needs. Learn more at goodwillfingerlakes.org.