San Francisco power couple honored

The San Francisco Salvation Army Advisory Board recognized one of the city’s most influential couples, the Honorable George and Charlotte Shultz, for their many years of civic service and long-standing support of The Salvation Army’s programs and services to low-income and homeless individuals. The celebration took place during the Sixth Annual Holiday Luncheon at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center and Railton Place in San Francisco on November 18.

“George and Charlotte Shultz are a true gift to The Salvation Army,” said Lt. Colonel Joe Posillico, Golden State divisional commander. ‘Whether donating time, providing ideas, or simply lending their name, it is consistently provided with selfless enthusiasm.”

Charlotte Mailliard Shultz, current Chief of Protocol for the State of California, began her involvement with The Salvation Army in 1980 when she created the “Celebrity Bell Ringing” event that has become a San Francisco tradition. It features celebrity volunteers, media personalities and community leaders posted around Union Square with The Salvation Army’s trademark red kettles, ringing bells to raise money for the Army’s local social services and programs.

In 1997 Charlotte married the Honorable George P. Shultz, former Secretary of State. Over the past 12 years the couple has demonstrated dedication to The Salvation Army and other programs that provide care for those less fortunate.

Bay Area broadcast personalities, Terry Lowry and Fred LaCosse, and Salvation Army Territorial Commander Commissioner Philip Swyers, presented the award, along with video commentary by Senator Dianne Feinstein. Swyers stated, “I have never been more proud of The Salvation Army. It is a privilege to be associated with such great Americans. George and Charlotte Schultz have helped The Salvation Army through decades of service not only in San Francisco but also in Washington, D.C.

Letters of recognition came from friends and dignitaries, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Nancy Reagan, Condoleezza Rice, and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. The program also featured an overview of the Army’s work in San Francisco and across the United States by Posillico and Advisory Board Chair Bert Decker. A highlight was a live interview with Joshua Betts, an aged-out foster youth who is a current resident of Railton Place. Joshua, who describes himself as having the “typical” foster care system experience—staying in as many as eight different homes during his childhood—was able to take advantage of grant funding provided to The Salvation Army for vocational training. Combining these resources with his love for information technology, Joshua became a certified Apple Technician and now works in the computer lab at the Kroc Center in San Francisco. He has also applied to several universities in California to continue his education. “I found a home in The Salvation Army,” he said. “Railton Place has offered me a positive, structured environment with many opportunities for a better personal and professional lifestyle.”

Swyers commented, “Joshua is typical of the many people whose lives we have touched and sent out into the world and who are making something of themselves.”