The generosity of billionaire MacKenzie Scott has reached Peoria, as Goodwill of Central Illinois and Easterseals Central Illinois are among the recipients of her nearly $4.2 billion in donations.
Goodwill announced it received a $5 million gift, while Easterseals did not specify how much it was given.
“To say we are honored by this significant gift is an understatement,” Goodwill of Central Illinois President and CEO Don Johnson said in a news release. “It means so much to be selected for who we are and how we serve the community.”
In a statement, Easterseals Central Illinois President and CEO Steve Thompson said its gift will help the agency’s efforts to empower children with disabilities.
“We are extremely grateful to MacKenzie Scott for this remarkable gift that helps move us towards achieving that vision,” he said. “This transformational gift is an investment in our vision for the future and further amplifies the impact made by our supporters over the last 100 years.”
Scott, the former wife of Amazon founder and CEO Jeff Bezos, chose 384 organizations across the nation-- out of 6,490 in consideration--for her donations as part of an initiative to offset the COVID-19 pandemic’s “wrecking ball” effect on struggling Americans.
“The results of the meticulous vetting process of our organization, including management, employees and our board of directors, is what really makes us proud,” said Johnson, adding the organization's board of directors will help determine the best way to invest the funds to serve the community. “To be chosen out of so many is truly humbling.”
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