(Major Doug Bartlebaugh, Ken Jones, Lieutenant Kevin Johnson, Sarina Vasta, Aram Garabedian, Dana Leonado, and Lieutenant Helen Johnson at the Newport Awards Dinner.)

The Salvation Army Awards Dinner a Huge Success!

NEWPORT - On Wednesday, April 10, volunteers, contributors, and friends of The Salvation Army in Newport came together to celebrate, honor, and reflect on the many great achievements of The Salvation Army and its community partners from 2012. The purpose of the dinner was also to raise funds for the Army's Kids and Teen Club.

The Community Partner Honoree, Aram Garabedian of Bliss Properties, gave a moving keynote address about his reasons for contributing to children's programs like The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Program at Christmastime, "I grew up in the North end of Providence, as the eldest of four kids in a working class family, barely making ends meet. This is similar to many of the families served now by The Salvation Army. I remember the day the Providence Journal truck pulled up with toys. It was amazing! That feeling of giving and receiving has never left me. My parents raised me to help others and that is a strong belief I carry with me to this day." His message was one of hope for Rhode Island, as well. Garabedian also expressed his feelings that there is a self-esteem problem in the State: "If we can start people believing that there is opportunity here in our small state of just 1 million square feet, then we can change the economic circumstances in this State."

Community Partner Shaw's Supermarkets of Middletown also contributed in an exceptional manner last year, despite the economic difficulties facing the State. Out of the 166 Shaw's supermarkets around New England, the Middletown store ranked second in a food drive, with all of the proceeds given to The Salvation Army in Newport. "What we love about the management here at Shaw's in Middletown...," said Lieutenant Kevin Johnson, "...is that they are always trying to do the most good with their resources. They are always thinking of ways they can help others and the community with the goods they have. It is inspiring to others.” The annual Student Service Award was given to Sarina Vasta, a senior at Salve Regina University for her continued dedication to The Salvation Army's Kids Club.

Other awards and recognition were presented to seasonal community partners. The Newport Rotary Club received recognition for being the group that raised the most in the seasonal Red Kettle Campaign. People's Credit Union, Walmart, Salve Regina, and Chapter 180 of the Air Force Association were also given recognition for their support to the Angel Tree program. "It is the community support, participating in programs at Shaw's and with the Angel Tree that make the difference for our neediest families. Without our volunteers and without the generosity of the community, we would not be able to help those who truly need it. We are very grateful" remarked Lieutenant Helen Johnson of The Salvation Army in Newport.

The Salvation Army is currently the largest food pantry on the Island and serves 700 meals a month out of its soup kitchen. In addition, The Salvation Army has extended its partnership with Meals on Wheels by providing pantry food for seniors on the weekend. To become involved or contribute to future events and programs, please call 401-846-3234.