ABOVE: Salvation Army Danville Special Events and Development Director Melissa Wilhelm (right) introduces Connie Ostrander to the audience. Ostrander, whose special quilt she made for the event was sold via a silent auction, told the crowd about the Salvation Army helping her family after a tragic fire during her childhood.
The Salvation Army celebrated 135 years of service in the Vermilion County area with a “Christmas in July” dinner and fundraiser Thursday evening, July 27th; at Woodbury Falls in Danville. Numerous stories were heard about how the Salvation Army began and evolved, along with testimonials from individuals who have benefitted directly from the Salvation Army entering their lives at very important moments.
Lieutenant Katherine Reid, Salvation Army Danville’s new corps officer, talked about living in a shelter in Independence, MO during part of her childhood. She decided at that time to dedicate her life to helping people. Years later, after joining the Salvation Army team, she found herself right back in Independence, working right next to the shelter’s location and serving the community. Lieutenant Reid said the great turnout at Thursday’s event made her even more excited about serving the Vermilion County area.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: This has continued the hope that I had from the moment I first was told I was coming to Danville to serve Vermilion County. I am excited, and blessed and privileged, to have the honor to serve the community here. And I look forward to the many years to come.
The Danville Sweet Adelines began the “Christmas in July” event by performing holiday music. Later, new Salvation Army Danville Corps Officer Lieutenant Katherine Reid shared her personal story of being assisted by the Salvation Army.
Salvation Army Danville Special Events and Development Director Melissa Wilhelm said hopes are sky high for services that could be offered in the future.
Audio PlayerAUDIO: Hopefully we can continue building funds to build more programs; have things like a mobile food unit for emergency disaster services; have things like a senior coffee once a week, and things of that nature. There’s a lot we can do here in Vermilion. It just takes the active word, and prayers and support.
Vermilion County Museum’s Sue Richter delivers keynote address, Mary Catherine Roberson from Congresswoman Robin Kelly’s office offers a proclamation to Lieutenant Katherine Reid, Event chairperson Amber McCoy portrays Salvation Army co-founder Catherine Booth.
The keynote address at the Christmas in July fundraiser, emphasizing numerous details about the Salvation Army’s history in this area, was given by Vermilion County Museum Executive Director Sue Richter. The event raised a total of $15,000.
For more information on Salvation Army Danville, please go to https://centralusa.salvationarmy.org/danville
