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Christmas campaign in full swing in Southern California
by Robert Brennan –
At The Salvation Army’s Southern California “Kettle Kickoff” held at the Farmers Market in November, Major Victor A. Leslie, Divisional Commander, presented a lifetime achievement award to Edward P. Roski, Jr., for his many years of philanthropic work. Roski has been instrumental in reinvigorating downtown Los Angeles with such projects as the Staples Center, has carved out an impressive list of accomplishments in the business and sports world. He is currently a part owner of the Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Kings sports franchises. More importantly, he has dedicated much of his personal time and treasure to a variety of charitable causes.
Phil Jackson, championship-winning coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, was also on hand to endorse Roski’s award. Other celebrities, such as Oscar winning actor Shirley Jones and moon landing astronaut Buzz Aldrin, donned Salvation Army bell ringing aprons and encouraged all those in attendance to keep supporting the red kettle of the Salvation Army.
There was also traditional Salvation Army band music, performances by the Pasadena Tabernacle Children’s Choir, and a host of celebrities on hand to ring in the beginning of the holiday season.