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THE SALVATION ARMY SETS GOAL OF
$615,000 FOR RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN
 The Salvation Army's
2009 Red Kettle Campaign kicked-off on November 10, with a press conference at Monroe County's
Seneca Park Zoo. The kick-off is one of Rochester's most notable Christmas
traditions.
Monroe County Executive Maggie Brooks, Mayor Robert Duffy, local
meteorologists who predicted the campaign donation totals, and other guests
celebrated the occasion. A goal of $615,000 has been set for this year's
campaign.
"Rochester
is a caring and giving community. I know we will be able to reach our
goal," said Major John Hodgson, area coordinator for The Salvation Army.
There are various ways in which the community can participate in this year's
campaign. They can do so by making a donation when they see red kettles
at different locations around the city. They can also make donations to
the Online Red Kettle.
The Salvation Army is looking for 10,000 volunteers to help ring bells at
kettle sites through out the area. Volunteers can register online or call
(585) 987-9500 ext 2313. The community can also help spread the word by
joining The Salvation Army's Rochester Area Services Facebook page and
following the organization on Twitter.
The message behind this year's campaign is The Time Is Now to donate and
that anyone who is able can help their neighbor. Helping The Salvation
Army with this year's message was Seneca Park Zoo, who in addition to hosting
the kettle kick-off, arranged for a few of its animals to participate in a
commercial which was introduced at the press conference.
In 2008 The Salvation Army served over 50,000 people. Money raised during
the Red Kettle Campaign is used throughout the year to provide services to
families and individuals. Programs include four homeless shelters, Project
ReDirect, Disaster Services, Emergency & Family Services, youth enrichment
programs, and more.
(Photo: John Koska of YNN Rochester, Major
John Hodgson, Brian Neudorff of WROC/FOX, County Executive
Maggie Brooks, Rochester Mayor Robert Duffy and Major Lauren Hodgson)
PASSERO ASSOCIATES MAKES CONTRIBUTION TO MUSIC
PROGRAM
Passero Associates recently donated $300 to The Salvation Army's Northwest
Service and Worship Center to help the corps purchase music books and other
materials for its music program. Passero is an engineering and
architectural consulting firm in Downtown Rochester.
"Thanks to this generous gift we will have the proper equipment to
study music, as well as help us continue developing our music ministry,"
says Captain Celestine Nkounkou, corps officer at Northwest.
Northwest's music program is open to students ages 10 and up.
Participants not only assist with worship at the corps' Sunday services, but
also visit community groups such as schools and nursing homes.
WILMORITE RECEIVES CIVIC AWARD FOR OCTOBER
 In celebration of
125 years in Rochester,
The Salvation Army recognized Wilmorite Management with a civic award on
October 15, 2009. Majors John and Lauren Hodgson presented the award to
Thomas Wilmot, chairman of Wilmorite Management, at their offices in Gates.
Wilmorite was recognized for its support of community programs and
charitable organizations. For years the company has also been supportive
of The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, which allows The Army to ring
bells at the malls at Greece Ridge, Marketplace and Eastview, as well as Pittsford Plaza. The funds raised at these
locations have helped The Army serve thousands of people in Monroe County
with Christmas meals and other services.
Other Civic Award recipients have included Foodlink, The United Way of
Rochester, local radio stations, news anchor Don Alhart, Wegmans, the Monroe
County Sheriff and the Rochester Police Department, among others.
(Photo: Thomas Wilmorite, second-from right, Wilmorite Staff, Majors John
and Lauren Hodgson and members of The Salvation Army Advisory Board.)
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