Listen to this article
Southwest
by Sandi Gabel –
In honor of Salvation Army Week in Arizona, events combining the Army’s rich heritage with its new service programs were planned in Phoenix for the public’s enjoyment.
Kicking off the week was a concert at the Orpheum Theater in downtown Phoenix. The Salt River Brass Band and special guest Philip Smith, principal trumpet for the New York Philharmonic, performed a program specifically designed to showcase the Army’s long association with brass bands.
Classics, marches and beloved hymns captured the hearts of the crowd and yielded a standing ovation for Ralph E. Pearce, divisional music director, who served as the conductor.
Dressed in the uniforms of early lassies, the Women’s Auxiliary served desserts donated by area restaurants, making the event stand out as a Salvation Army function.
A Golf-A-Thon marked the next occasion. At an all-day affair, participants were challenged to play 100 holes with pledges on a per-hole basis. “It was a long day on the course, but much fun,” declared Dr. Carl Paetz, Jr., Metro Phoenix Advisory Board Chair elect. Among numerous prizes were a Camaro Z28, donated by Courtesy Chevrolet, for the golfer who shot a hole-in-one.
The grand finale was a community luncheon at the Herberger Center, where many area mayors and council members joined in commemorating 110 years of service. A documentary produced by KTVK3-TV, Phoenix, depicted Salvation Army programs, and guests saw a premiere of a new public service announcement.
Area corps and thrift stores held open houses, and parking lot sales at thrift stores offered 50 percent discount on all merchandise.
“The enthusiasm and awareness this week fostered was incredible,” said Paul Harvey, Phoenix City Administrator. “The community observed The Salvation Army as an organization which operates year round, not merely during the holiday season. One of our goals was to educate people about our programs, and I feel that we really succeeded.”