When TD Bank planned a customer event in Miami last month, no one expected it to unfold in a sprawling apparel manufacturing plant instead of a glitzy ballroom. But that was precisely the point.
“We’re not just building the bank—we’re building our community,” said Kimrey Newlin, Executive Credit Officer at TD Bank and a longtime board member at Goodwill South Florida.
What began as a brainstorm to tour the Goodwill South Florida facility quickly evolved into something far more meaningful: a full-fledged customer event highlighting not only the bank’s investment insights, but also the life-changing work of a community nonprofit.
Most companies would’ve opted for steak dinners and live entertainment. TD chose eggs, croissants, and a facility tour showing off Goodwill's employees, a large majority of whom are living with a disability or barrier to work, the Spirit of Goodwill Band and how they give back to the Miami community in so many ways.
The decision wasn't just unusual—it was unforgettable.
"Kimrey is such an asset to the board here at Goodwill South Florida," said Joe Hornstein, the nonprofit's Vice President for Philanthropy. "He's always been a champion for Goodwill and the amazing work we do here."
A new kind of gathering
“It really started with Kimrey,” said Casey Crist, Regional Vice President for Miami-Dade County. “He came to me and asked, ‘What do you think about trying to get some clients to come do a tour at Goodwill?’ I said, ‘That's great. I love the idea ... but how do we get them to take the time away from their jobs?’”
Cathy Alexander, Private Client Relationship Manager for Miami-Dade County, helped them find their hook: a presentation from Sid Vaidya, TD’s Chief Investment Strategist, who would offer timely insight on economic trends and political changes.
"By bringing in Sid to speak directly to our clients, the aim was to provide expert insights into the economy, addressing concerns, foster confidence, and resilience during uncertain times," Cathy explained.
TD invited local clients for a Friday morning breakfast at the Goodwill facility.
“We filled the room,” Casey said proudly. “And everyone stayed for the tour. They were so engaged—through Sid's presentation and continued asking questions all through the tour. They wanted to learn.”
Cathy added, "This partnership highlights a shared commitment to empowering individuals through financial knowledge and community support. The clients walked away with a renewed perspective about how we support the businesses we serve, but more importantly, how we give back to the community."
Beyond the thrift store
For many attendees, the real revelation came from learning what Goodwill truly is.
“When people think of Goodwill, they think of the drop boxes for used clothes,” said Nick Miceli, Regional President of Florida Metro at TD. “But that’s just one aspect. The core of their mission is job readiness—especially for individuals with disabilities. They train them, they employ them, they give them purpose.”
Inside Goodwill South Florida’s massive facility, attendees saw rows of sewing machines creating military uniforms under government contracts.
“They also manufacture U.S. flags—huge ones,” Nick said. “These are the flags draped over caskets of fallen soldiers. They mean something.”
Goodwill South Florida also runs a commercial laundry business serving hospitals, and a janitorial service cleaning over 130 government buildings, all employing individuals with disabilities or barriers to work.
In fact, Goodwill South Florida makes nearly 1 million garments for the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs annually, and 85,000 of those are interment flags for the families of fallen soldiers.
"It's very different to hear about what we do and actually see it in action," Joe said. "Seeing a legally blind man at a sewing machine, thriving at the workplace and doing this for the government or the family of a fallen soldier – it's just an incredible thing to witness."
For Kimrey, who’s worked with Goodwill for over two decades, this was a moment to share a deeper truth.
“When you tour the facility, you see the joy on their faces,” he said. “These are people who’ve often needed help their whole lives. And now they’re the ones giving back. One of the most common things they say is, ‘I feel good because I can give back to my family.’ That sense of belonging—it’s powerful.”
Click to zoom
A band with a beat and a message
Then came the performance.
Years ago, Goodwill South Florida discovered several musically talented employees and formed a band—each member living with a disability. In addition, TD has supported that band financially through its Charitable Foundation.
“They performed for us at the event,” Nick recalled. “They usually perform at jazz concerts. They play at the New World Symphony. It’s not just a band—it’s a celebration of resilience.”
That performance was the emotional crescendo of the event.
“It brings the whole story full circle,” Kimrey said. “You see people working, thriving, and then expressing themselves through music. It’s unforgettable.”
Ripples of impact
The goodwill didn’t end there.
“As we were leaving, one of our customers—Fireman Derek’s Bakeshop—said, ‘I’m going to donate 1,700 baked goods, one for every employee here,’” Nick shared, still amazed. “Then another client said they’d donate surplus garment materials. Someone else offered to build custom shelving. And a contractor said, ‘Your parking lot needs repaving—I’ll do it.’”
This wasn’t a fundraising event.
“This was friendraising,” Nick emphasized. “It was about exposing people to a story that touches hearts—and inviting them to be part of it.”
Joe added that what made this event so special is how it keeps impacting Goodwill South Florida days or even weeks after it happened.
"We can't thank TD enough for exposing us to its network and helping us continue to grow for the community," Joe said. "Our mission is to put people with disabilities and barriers to work – and we only stop when that person is in a job."
More than a Bank
At the end of the day, the Goodwill South Florida event is a microcosm of a bank trying to be different, unique and make an impact for the better in the community it serves.
“Most banks try to impress with fancy dinners,” Casey said. “We brought our customers to a giant industrial warehouse, served them fruit and eggs—and they loved it. That’s the difference. We’re not trying to buy our customers; we’re walking beside them. That’s our culture.”
The event aligned perfectly with TD’s ethos of being “unexpectedly human.”
“Each time we do this kind of event,” Casey continued, “customers connect with each other. They find ways to collaborate, to support causes, to do business. That’s how we make communities stronger—not just with money, but with intention.”
For Kimrey, it’s a model worth replicating. “Nick had a great idea—why not do this across our footprint? We all have stories like this. We just need to share them.”
The entire event cost next to nothing. “All we paid for was food,” Kimrey said. “But the value? Immeasurable.”
The power of showing up
At its heart, the TD-Goodwill event wasn’t just about community service. It was about redefining what corporate engagement looks like.
It was a quiet rebellion against the polished, predictable playbook of customer relationship management. A reminder that sometimes, the most impactful thing you can do isn’t to impress—it’s to connect.
As Nick summed it up: “It so far exceeded my expectations. You know those rare moments in your career when everything clicks? This was one of them.”