It was an evening of celebration and baseball for Goodwill Houston’s Moreton Achievement Award winners. The seven employees and program graduates were honored Tuesday, August 22, 2023, before the Houston Astros game against the Boston Red Sox at Minute Maid Park. Recipients were each spotlighted on-the-field for their hard work in overcoming obstacles, while at the same time celebrated for their accomplishments.
The baseball game marked the culmination of the 2023 Goodwill Houston’s Moreton Achievement Awards. The annual event highlights the organization’s most outstanding success stories at a luncheon held at Minute Maid Park’s Union Station. Close to 300 guests gathered for the Wednesday, August 17, 2023, event. In addition to their moment in the spotlight, each Moreton Award recipient received a plaque of achievement, a monetary gift generously donated by Moreton event sponsors, and a customized Astros jersey.
The Moreton Achievement Awards Luncheon began in 1988. Goodwill Houston’s President and CEO, Steve Lufburrow, along with the late Dr. and Mrs. Robert Moreton, introduced the idea of recognizing Goodwill Houston’s own success stories through an appreciation luncheon. Even after the deaths of Dr. and Mrs. Moreton, the event remained, and the luncheon has only grown in importance across Greater Houston.
“Our award recipients are the epitome of hard work, ethics and a can-do attitude,” said Lufburrow. “They are indeed living proof of Goodwill’s mission of changing lives through the power of work.”
This year’s Moreton Citizen of the Year winner was Michelle Archer, Goodwill Houston Staffing Partner. Her life’s story was profiled in a video shown at the luncheon. Other winners included: Gary Peoples, Job Connection Program Achiever of the Year Award; Ashley Parker, Smiling “G” Performance Award; Jacobi Crawford, the George Lindahl Family Achievement Award; Denetria Hulin, George Lindahl Family Spirit Award; Kelsey Cooper, Goodwill Achiever of the Year Award; and Benjamin Carter, Alma Moreton Achievement Award.
“It is an honor to have been nominated and then selected for a Moreton award,” said Archer. “Goodwill gave me a sense of purpose and because of that I was able to change my life. I want to help others do the same because at Goodwill you do have a real chance to make your dreams come true.”
Click here to view digital images from the 2023 Goodwill Houston Moreton Awards
