Horizon Goodwill Industries Receives Largest Transformational Gift in Organization's History

$1.955 Million Estate Bequest from Sylvia Frank Brings Her Lifetime Giving to Approximately $2.5 Million

HAGERSTOWN, MD, UNITED STATES, October 29, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Horizon Goodwill Industries has received a $1.955 million estate bequest from longtime supporter and former Board member Sylvia Frank, bringing her total lifetime giving to the organization to approximately $2.5 million. The gift represents the single largest transformational philanthropic contribution in Horizon Goodwill's history.

Sylvia Frank was a passionate advocate for Horizon Goodwill's mission and believed deeply in the organization's ability to create opportunities for individuals and families throughout the region. Her generosity has helped advance workforce development, health and human services, youth programming, and other initiatives that remove barriers to self-sufficiency and strengthen communities.

"This extraordinary gift is a reflection of Sylvia's unwavering belief in our mission and the people we serve," said David Shuster, Ed.D., CE, President and CEO of Horizon Goodwill Industries. "Sylvia understood that lasting change happens when people are given access to opportunity, support, and hope. Her legacy will continue to empower individuals to achieve greater independence and will shape our work for generations to come."

The bequest arrives during Horizon Goodwill's Healthier Futures Campaign, a comprehensive community investment initiative focused on expanding access to workforce development, health services, food security, housing stability, and youth support throughout the region.

Sylvia's gift will help advance the campaign's vision of creating healthier futures through integrated investments in economic mobility, community health, and family well-being. Her generosity strengthens Horizon Goodwill's ability to expand workforce development opportunities, improve access to health and supportive services through the Community Health Hub, address barriers to housing and stability, and invest in programs that help individuals and families build brighter futures. The bequest also represents a significant commitment toward the Healthier Futures Campaign, accelerating progress toward campaign goals and helping ensure these transformational investments can serve the community for generations to come.

"Every transformational campaign is built on visionary leadership, and Sylvia's generosity represents exactly that," said Mike Zampelli, Chair of the Healthier Futures Campaign. "Her investment sends a powerful message about the importance of our mission and the future we are building together. We hope her example inspires others who want to create a lasting impact in our community."

The organization plans to honor Sylvia's legacy while working closely with her family to celebrate her remarkable commitment to the community and the causes she cared about most. In recognition of her extraordinary generosity, Horizon Goodwill has named its Community Health Hub the Sylvia Frank Community Health Hub, ensuring that her legacy of compassion, dignity, and community investment will continue to inspire future generations.

"Sylvia's generosity demonstrates the profound impact one person can have on an entire community," said Josh Repac, President of the Board of Directors for Horizon Goodwill Industries. "Her commitment to helping others reflects the very best of philanthropy. This remarkable gift will strengthen Horizon Goodwill's ability to invest in people, expand critical services, and create opportunities that improve lives throughout our region for years to come."

For more than seven decades, Horizon Goodwill Industries has worked to eliminate barriers to employment, strengthen economic mobility, and improve quality of life across the communities it serves. Sylvia Frank's historic gift ensures that mission will continue to grow and evolve to meet emerging community needs for years to come.

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About Horizon Goodwill Industries

Horizon Goodwill Industries (HGI) is a regional nonprofit organization serving communities in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. Through workforce development, human services, social enterprises, and community-based initiatives, we work to remove barriers to social mobility and expand access to opportunity. Supported by a network of retail thrift stores and donation centers, HGI invests in people, neighborhoods, and systems that strengthen sustainability, economic mobility, community health, and long-term well-being. By connecting individuals and families to the resources, relationships, and opportunities they need to thrive, we help build stronger and more vibrant communities across the region.

Nick Kline
Horizon Goodwill Industries
+1 301-733-7330
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