3rd Annual Salvation Army Banquet

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By Bailie Wilson

The Salvation Army of Bryan/College Station will host the 3rd annual banquet on May 22 at the College Station Hilton & Conference Center. This year’s banquet will celebrate the 125th year of the Texas Division of the Salvation Army.

“Last year was such a success,” shares Joey Dunn, current Chairman of the B/CS Salvation Army Advisory Board. “The community came out and supported the Salvation Army in Brazos County.” The funds raised at last year’s banquet went toward the purchase of a disaster truck, used for the Salvation Army’s disaster response involvement both locally and nationally. Last year, the Salvation Army participated in disaster relief following the explosion in West, Texas, as well as the tornadoes in Moore, Oklahoma.

This year, the banquet will feature Mark Johnson, retired coach of the Texas A&M baseball team, as keynote speaker. Coach Johnson currently provides commentary for A&M baseball games, and is actively involved in many community activities. “He will sharing his experience in the community, his faith, and testimony. We are really happy to have him speak this year in support of the Salvation Army’s mission" says Dunn.

The event will also feature a silent and live auction, including an autographed football from John David Crow, and four Aggie football tickets donated by the Texas A&M University Office of the Commandant. Funds raised will support Salvation Army’s general programs including youth activities, food pantry, music programs, angel tree program, and disaster operations. Part of the auction proceeds will be used to send kids to summer camp. The Salvation Army is still welcoming items for the silent and live auctions as well as table sponsors.

The tradition of having The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Men’s Choir sing at the banquet will also continue this year. The group consists of men who have and are in the process of turning their lives around in The Salvation Army rehabilitation programs. “Last year we had over 400 people attend,” says Dunn. “The response was incredible from the community, and we hope to see the same this year.”

For more information, including tickets and sponsorships, call (979) 361-0618.