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In Modesto, under the leadership of Captains Michael and Cindy Dickinson, one aspect of “Doing the Most Good” means developing an endowment campaign to raise $10 million for the Army’s work in Stanislaus county.
The “70/30 Building a Legacy Campaign,” supported by the Modesto Advisory Board, will provide the basis for an endowment to provide a permanent solution to the growing demand for and cost of corps services and facility improvement. The campaign is an opportunity for each donor to leave a legacy in the community that will ensure care to those in need for years to come. Donors have the option of applying 70% of their contributions to endowment and 30% to operating needs. There are also other contribution options.
Programs in Modesto include the Modesto Red Shield, that serves at-risk youth. The Modesto Citadel, the main Salvation Army facility, has a child development center serving up to 60 low-income families with affordable childcare, and the Senior Meals program. Homeless are also fed lunch every day and rotating churches come on Saturdays to feed the homeless breakfast. There is also Sally’s Place, a safe haven for seniors.
In addition, the Army is well known for its homeless winter shelter that is funded through the city of Modesto. The shelter proves such a valuable resource to the city of Modesto, that recently, a contingent of Modesto and Salvation Army officials attended the National Civic League’s All American City Award event in Atlanta. The Salvation Army was a finalist for the award that recognizes civic excellence in communities across the country.
While The Army did not win the award, it was important moment for all involved.
“It was a civic marker,” said Dave Bowman, business administrator for the Modesto Citadel. The meeting provided top brass with the opportunity to network with local business and government, explained Bowman.