First Annual Victory Dinner Honors Salvation Army’s Champions

There were champions among us this past Wednesday evening, at the First Annual Salvation Army Victory Dinner held at Riverwalk in Broad Ripple. Attendees gathered on this beautiful evening to celebrate the efforts of a few fine citizens and businesses who had sacrificially earned that title through a variety of ways. Focusing on the 2009 Christmas season, these volunteers and supporters of the Army’s programs really were what made this year’s Tree of Lights events successful. In spite of not reaching the monetary goal, countless lives were significantly touched by these people and their service. Keeping in mind the mission of The Salvation Army, it was an honor to recognize these special individuals for meeting human needs on behalf of the Army.

Major Richard Amick, Indiana’s Divisional Commander, started off the evening with some encouraging words while directing our attention to the many ways the Army has been blessed this past year. This was followed by a video, “A Year in Review” highlighting the Army’s work throughout 2009.  Continuing with the theme of “The Power of One”, inspirational speaker for the Colts, Josh Bleill gave an outstanding talk. Bleill, an ex-marine who lost both legs from an explosive device while serving in Iraq, uses his experiences as a platform to share with others about how they too can make a difference.

Saving the best for last, the night culminated with the presentation of awards to the champions, whose hard work served men, women and children. Of special interest was Zionsville Middle School student, Jake Iery, who was recognized as Youth Champion of the Year. Learn more about what Jake did for children in need on the volunteer blog, www.savolunteer.org/. Also honored individually was Iris Bouchez, as Volunteer Champion of the Year, in addition to Northwest Kiwanis Club, Two Men And A Truck, Reach USA/ValPak and Response Church. Salvation Army staff was excited to be able give each award recipient a specially handmade plaque, created by some of the kids who reside at our Women and Children’s Shelter.

If you’d like to join the ranks of champions and/or for more information, call Elizabeth Wilhelm- Volunteer Coordinator at 224-1010.

WIBC Radiothon ends at $255,146

So, the Addai football went to a lovely woman who’s wrapping it up for her hubby’s Christmas gift, so I won’t spill the beans. And the final number is….$255,146!

Thanks so much to all of our hourly and in-kind sponsors – to Emmis Communications and the amazing men and women who produced the -athon, the programmers, the personalities, just everyone who’s made it easy to call Emmis’ lobby home for the past 55 hours. We would not be able to do what we’ve done without their dedication and enthusiasm.

And here are the teary thanks, so buckle up – Read more

Fans donate coats, cash to kids in need

Colts fans stepped up in a big way by donating over 2,100 coats and $7,100 to Coats for Kids on their way into Lucas Oil Stadium for the Colts vs. Seahawks game this past weekend.

Thanks to all of the staff and volunteers from WTHR-13, Tuchman Cleaners, and our own Salvation Army team for their dedication to keeping kids warm this winter! Continued thanks to the fine folks at Two Men And A Truck who gathered and delivered all the coats to Tuchman for cleaning.

The 23rd annual Coats for Kids distribution will be this Saturday, October 10 at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. Last year, more than 4,200 kids received coats through Coats For Kids, an increase of 15% over the previous year. And, this year the need is expect to be even greater due to the poor economy and a rise in unemployment.

There’s still time to help. You can give a kid a new coat by making an online donation. Or, you can take your new or gently used coats to any area Tuchman Cleaners through the rest of today.

Picnic helps hundreds “Bite Back”

Thanks to a group of dedicated sponsors and volunteers, our “Eat Outside the Box” picnic to end homelessness was a huge success!

So, we wanted to take a minute to share some photos and say a special thanks to those who made it happen. Our friends at All American Picnic Company grilled over 500 hot dogs and Costco provided chips to make it a meal. Bandwagon kept the crowd moving with their toe-tappin’ performance. Blue entertained the crowd while his friends from the Colts shared the Vince Lombardi trophy. Lunchgoers also enjoyed shootin’ some hoops at the Pacers Fan Van while some of the Pacemates handed out posters and give-aways for fans. Long-time partners Two Men and a Truck gave away a free 8 hour move as Trucky mingled with the crowd.

We had a great booth sponsor turnout as well with representatives from the University of Phoenix, Keller Williams Realty, HIP, Indy School on Wheels, the Avenue, Trina’s Treats, The Indianapolis Star, HVAF, and the American Legion.

When 1,300 of our youngest citizens spend their nights on the streets, we have to do something about it. And yesterday’s event was another way to educate Hoosiers that they can make a difference by supporting the services that The Salvation Army already has in place. To learn more, visit HomelessnessBites.org

And don’t forget to mark your calendar to join us for our 6th annual Apple Fest on Monument Circle on Thursday, October 1.

Blue Christmas

Thanks to the folks at Blue Crew Sports Grill for hosting a Salvation Army night. In addition to hosting a red kettle, owners raffled off Colts-themed kids bicycles just before Christmas.

So, if you’re looking for a place to take in a game or just enjoy some excellent game food (the blackened chicken quesadillas were amazing!), stop by Blue Crew. And make sure to let them know that you appreciate their partnership with The Salvation Army!

With about three weeks left in the Tree of Lights campaign, we’re about 85% of the way to our goal. Want to help make a difference in the lives of those struggling right here in our community? Donate on-line or give Kristen a call at 224-1019 to discuss an event or partnership opportunity.

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