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San Diego Kroc Center hosts dinner on the ice rink to benefit scholarship fund.
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center recently held its first Golden Moments Dinner on Ice fundraiser with five-time Olympic medalist speed skater Apolo Anton Ohno as the keynote speaker. Territorial Commander Commissioner Philip Swyers also spoke at the event, which brought more than 120 members of the community to the Kroc Center for a night of entertainment and giving to benefit the Kroc Center’s scholarship fund. Sponsors were Sony, Viejas and Union Bank.
Tables were set up on the ice rink, and several students of the Kroc Center’s figure skating school showcased their talents during the program. During the evening Kroc Center Director Captain John Van Cleef presented Bill Gibbs with the William Booth Award for his leadership on the Kroc Center advisory council, and ROEL Construction with the Others Award for its role in building the center and its continued support of The Salvation Army through contributions of time and money.
“Your Golden Moments event was wonderful,” said Barbara Hannegan, one of the attendees. “I loved the setting on the ice—what a beautiful facility you have created there. I am an Apolo Anton Ohno fan, and I was thrilled to hear his inspiring speech. And then to actually meet him—well, that was more than amazing!”
“Golden Moments reminds us of why we’re here: to participate in the transformation of people’s lives—spirit, soul and body,” stated Van Cleef. “Apolo Anton Ohno’s story gives us hope for tomorrow by helping us see the potential that exists in every artist, athlete, student and seeker today.”