Leadership Blog: Looking Back, One More Time!

Dear Friends, 

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas!  At this special time of year, we want to share recent and ongoing news about how The Salvation Army and its supporters are improving the quality of life in the DFW Metroplex:

The Red Kettle Campaign helps
The Salvation Army feed, clothe,
and shelter at-risk families
in the Metroplex.

BREAKING THE ICE
Did you ever think we'd have an ice storm early in December? Well, neither did we!  But as we all now know, freezing rain and sleet kind of shut things down for a few days. Shortly thereafter, we began to hear about the economic impact. The ice really took a toll on retail shopping, and as you might guess, it had an impact on us too.

Our red kettle drive got behind by $584,000 as a result of losing days to the ice storm combined with getting a later start this year, in large part due to Thanksgiving being so late in the month.

RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN
We have just a matter of days left in this year's campaign. Between now and Christmas Eve, we hope people will continue to dig deep and drop in an extra dollar or two -- or even more -- to help make up our red kettle losses. This is so important because funds raised in the red kettles provide services not only at Christmas time, but throughout the year. These services include food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless, after-school care for children, and more.

Volunteers (top) and horse riders (bottom)
at the conclusion of
the Cattle Drive for the Kettle Drive.

CATTLE DRIVE FOR THE KETTLE DRIVE
At the start of the season, we held an event to spotlight this year's kettle campaign. It was the annual "Cattle Drive for the Kettle Drive" held at Ridgmar Mall in Fort worth. The Cattle Drive helped promote awareness in a unique fashion: with real live cows, cowboys on horseback, a Salvation Army mobile disaster vehicle, and The Salvation Army brass band atop a western-style wagon!






ONLINE RED KETTLE
Can’t donate at a Red Kettle location? Donate online at OnlineRedKettle.org! This online service allows you to donate to the red kettle campaign, or you can become a virtual bell ringer by setting up your own Online Red Kettle page.  After setting up your page, you can then send emails to your friends encouraging them to make a donation. See for yourself at OnlineRedKettle.org!

WFAA-TV anchor Gloria Campos
delivering her keynote address during
Super Lunch XXI.

SUPER LUNCH XXI
The freezing cold on Monday, December 9, couldn’t stop the compassionate Irving community from turning out for Super Lunch XXI at the Irving Convention Center. The event was a fund raiser for our community center in Irving. 

The lunch featured WFAA-TV anchor, Gloria Campos, as keynote speaker. Gloria talked about the importance of giving and of building a legacy of volunteering. “The real 'getting’ in charity is in the giving,” she said.

Thank you Gloria for a wonderful keynote address and to everyone involved in making the lunch possible.

NBC-5 anchor Mark Hayes addressing
shoppers during the Angel Tree parade
at NorthPark Center.

ANGEL TREE UPDATE
Our Angel Tree program was featured in a big way on the day after Thanksgiving with festive parades at NorthPark Center in Dallas and Ridgmar Mall in Fort Worth. The parades included costumed characters, The Salvation Army brass band, a drum line, dance performers, and cheerful volunteers.

The Dallas Cowboys, Albertsons, and BNSF Railway donated gifts for more than 900 individuals combined. Employees from PlainsCapital, Ernest & Young, HFF, and Haynes & Boone loaded their Angel Tree gifts onto a truck to be delivered to our Christmas Center in Dallas. The delivery was accompanied by an antique fire truck.

Coca-Cola employees delivered their gifts for 1,200 individuals in three side-load Coke trucks plus a Coca-Cola 18-wheeler.

Once all the gifts from companies, organizations, and donors arrived at our Christmas Centers in Dallas and Fort Worth, hundreds of volunteers began sorting them for distribution to local families. This week, volunteers have been handing out an estimated 250,000 gifts benefiting more than 53,000 individuals and more than 16,000 families.

Here’s news coverage highlighting the Angel Tree program:


 
We’re thankful for everyone who participated in this year’s Angel Tree program. We’re especially thankful for NBC 5, our Angel Tree partner.  Your efforts will bring lots of smiles to thousands of families in North Texas.

Captain Michele Matthews (left, second row),
with AT&T Pioneers members

AT&T PIONEERS LOAD UP ANGEL TREE GIFTS
On Wednesday, December 4, members of the AT&T Pioneers Council of Dallas gathered at AT&T headquarters to load up their gifts for the Angel Tree program.

AT&T Pioneers adopted more than 650 individuals this year. These individuals consist of at-risk children and disabled adults whose families would struggle to provide Christmas gifts for them.

Here’s a short clip of AT&T Pioneers loading a Salvation Army truck with their Angel Tree gifts.



Thank you AT&T Pioneers for participating in this year’s Angel Tree program!

Hunter Woodlee (front and center)
with his friends at NorthPark Center
to adopt Angels!

COMPASSIONATE FLASH MOB
Hunter Woodlee was one of thousands of donors from across North Texas who adopted an Angel from a Salvation Army Angel Tree. But there was something different about Hunter’s participation: Through social media he convinced nearly 50 of friends to join him in adopting Angels at NorthPark Center.

Here’s NBC 5 covering Hunter’s “Compassionate Flash Mob!”

WBAP's Hal Jay and Brian Estridge
encouraging morning show listeners to
drop off toy donations to stuff Harvey the RV.

STUFFING HARVEY THE RV
In November and December, WBAP News/Talk 820 AM invited their listeners to come out to their remote broadcast locations to help stuff WBAP's "Harvey the RV" with toys for children at Christmas. The effort benefits The Salvation Army and has been conducted at such locations as Louie Louie's Piano Bar in Arlington, Toyota of Fort Worth, and Surplus Building Materials in Farmers Branch. 





LASTLY
2013 has been quite a journey for all of us at The Salvation Army -- a journey we embarked upon humbly with support from people like you. Here at the close of the year, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our donors, partners, and volunteers for doing the most good during 2013.

We wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and wonderful New Year!  

Warm Regards,

Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews
DFW Metroplex Command Leadership

Leadership Blog: North Texas YET Opening; Annual Luncheon; Angel Tree & Red Kettle Campaign!

Dear Friends,  

Plenty has happened since we last shared information with you!  Here’s the scoop:

YET GRAND OPENING

The North Texas Youth Education Town (YET) is officially open!  Located at The Salvation Army in Arlington, the YET is the legacy project of Super Bowl XLV, offering programs for youth focused on sports, the arts, technology, and more.

The grand opening on October 14 was conducted as a festive, football-themed pep rally, featuring

North Texas YET Chairman Emmitt Smith (second from left)
aides Dallas Cowboys Owner Jerry Jones (Middle)
in cutting the ribbon at the North Texas.

YET Chairman Emmitt Smith, Gene and Jerry Jones, Salvation Army National Advisory Board Chair Charlotte Jones Anderson, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, and our National Commander, Commissioner David Jeffery.

Here’s news coverage from the event:





 

Learn more about the YET at Salvationarmyyet.org.

ANNUAL DOING THE MOST GOOD LUNCHEON

Annual Luncheon guest Wyonna Judd,
and her husband Cactus Moser,
performing at our annual luncheon in Dallas.

Country music superstar Wynonna Judd headlined this year’s annual luncheon. Blending humorous commentary with toe-tapping music, Wynonna was a hands-down crowd pleaser.

The luncheon served as the kickoff for a year-long celebration during 2014. Former President George W. Bush will serve as honorary co-chair for celebration, along with his wife Laura and Gene and Jerry Jones. 



The goal of the celebration is to provide the next generation of caring donors with experiential ways to join our Doing the Most Good movement.

This year’s luncheon raised more than $2.8 million! These funds will help us continue serving men, women, and children in need in the DFW Metroplex.

We’re thankful for the efforts of luncheon chair, Jan Pickens; underwriting chair, Michal Powell; and table sales chair, Louis Griffeth for planning and raising funds for the luncheon!

ANGEL TREE

Help individuals in need have a
better Christmas. Adopt an Angel Today!

Did you know that more than 300,000 children live in poverty in the DFW Metroplex? As a result, many of their parents cannot afford to buy them Christmas gifts.

Our Angel Tree program provides toys and needed items to thousands of local children each Christmas. This year, 53,000 individuals are on our Angel Tree list.

Angel Tree also serves as a form of homelessness prevention.  How?  Because without assistance from The Salvation Army, parents can be forced to choose between paying rent and buying Christmas gifts.

Our Angel Trees are located in ten malls. Just select an Angel at one of the locations, shop for the gifts, and bring them back to the same location by December 9. You can also adopt an Angel online at salvationarmydfw.org!

Here’s Amy describing her experience with Angel Tree.


  

The Red Kettle Campaign being kicked off
during halftime of
the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Game!

RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN & ONLINE RED KETTLE

Our annual Red Kettle campaign kicked off during halftime at the Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving Day game. Now till Christmas, bell ringers will be all over the Metroplex encouraging North Texans to donate to help the less fortunate.

You can be a virtual bell ringer, thanks to Online Red Kettle! This online service allows you to donate to The Salvation Army, while encouraging your family, friends, and loved ones to do the same.  You also can create your own Online Red Kettle page and set a fundraising goal!

We hope you have a safe remainder of the year! Be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates!

Warm regards,

Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews
DFW Metroplex Command Leadership

Leadership Blog: North Texas Giving Day Results, YET 30-For-30 Update, 125th Celebration and More!

Dear friends, 

We asked you to “Get Up and Give” to The Salvation Army on North Texas Giving Day.  And, wow!  You more than delivered!

Thanks to your support, more than $730,000 was raised in a single day on Thursday September 19. Remember that a portion of your gift will be matched, multiplying the impact of your donation, and raising even more to help people in need. 

Thank you for your dedication now and throughout the year. 

Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck
speaking to Arlington ISD students
at the North Texas Youth Education Town.

NORTH TEXAS YOUTH EDUCATION TOWN 30-for-30 

The North Texas Youth Education Town’s 30-for-30 events are underway! The YET is featuring daily preview events (30 activities in 30 days) to raise awareness of the new center.

One of these events included a youth leadership forum with Arlington Mayor Robert Cluck and student leaders from Arlington ISD.  Mayor Cluck and the students discussed several important issues, including responsibility, the dangers of drunk driving, and public safety. 

Here’s coverage of Mayor Cluck with the students at the YET.

 

Other 30-For-30 events included a free health screening, a celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, a playground build with the Dallas Cowboys, KaBOOM!, and Dr. Pepper Snapple Group, and more. The events will continue until the official opening on October 14.

Learn more about the YET and the 30-for-30 events at salvationarmyYET.org.

The celebration begins
this November!

CELEBRATING 125 YEARS IN DFW!

Starting this November, we'll kick off a year-long celebration to commemorate 125 years of service in the DFW Metroplex. We’re honored that Charlotte Jones Anderson will be the 125^th Anniversary chair.  And we're doubly honored that former President George W. Bush and Laura Bush will join Gene and Jerry Jones as the honorary co-chairs.

The Salvation Army’s journey in the Metroplex began when an Italian sailor named Adam Janelli began preaching the gospel on the corner of Main and Ervay Streets in downtown Dallas. Janelli then petitioned our international headquarters in London to officially open The Salvation Army's work in Texas, which began on June 12, 1889.

The celebration will include some exciting new events, so stay tuned for updates.



PREVIOUS EVENTS

A Salvation Army Doing The Most Good
food truck serving food and drinks
at the "Back to Football" 5K Fun
at AT&T Stadium.

Volunteers were up early passing out drinks and snacks to runners at the Dallas Cowboys "Back to Football" 5K Fun Run at AT&T Stadium. The volunteers served food and drinks from a Salvation Army Doing The Most Good  food truck to help runners stay hydrated and to keep their calories up.

21^st Century Dental donated $5,245 to The Salvation Army. The donation came from teeth whitening fees accumulated during the past month. 


 


COMING UP!

We’ll report on the official grand opening of the North Texas Youth Education Town, the Annual Doing the Most Good Luncheon in Dallas, the upcoming Christmas season, and more! Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates!

Warm Regards,


 






Captain Michele and Major Ward Matthews
DFW Metroplex Command Leadership

Leadership Blog: Heat Relief, Youth Education Town, North Texas Giving Day & More!

Dear Friends, 

We hope you're having a wonderful remainder of the summer season. Here are some updates!

HEAT RELIEF: TAKING IT TO THE STREETS

Summer is almost over but it’s still hot as the blue blazes! At The Salvation Army we take the heat, and its possible consequences for those who spend much of their time outdoors, very seriously.

In addition to our 15 Cooling Stations that have been open since June, our volunteer disaster team in Fort Worth provided an extra share of relief this summer. Multiple times, the volunteer team distributed cold water on Lancaster Avenue in Fort Worth, cooling folks down and keeping them safe.

The service is important in this part of town because there are three homeless shelters along Lancaster Avenue, including our own Mabee Social Services Center.

Here's coverage of our volunteer disaster team in Fort Worth:

An event per day for 30 days
at the YET in Arlington!
Visit salvationarmyyet.org for more info!

NORTH TEXAS YET OPENING: COUNTING DOWN!

We’re inching closer to the opening of the North Texas Youth Education Town (YET) at our community center in Arlington!

Set to officially open on October 14, the YET will provide programs for children and youth focused on education, sports, fitness, technology, and fine arts.

We’ll be counting down to the grand opening with a month-long "30-for-30" series of events. From September 14 to October 14, the YET will host 30 events in 30 days. Events will include an arts extravaganza, a cooking demonstration, free health screenings, a job and career fair, a college boot camp, and more!

Clarice Tinsley, Emmitt Smith, and Charlotte Jones Anderson
filming the YET PSA for FOX 4, slated to air through October!

In addition, FOX 4 graciously produced a new TV spot promoting the YET and also provided it to other TV stations. The PSA will feature YET advisory council chair, Emmitt Smith; The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board chair, Charlotte Jones Anderson; and YET advisory council member, Clarice Tinsley; along with a few YET youth members. Keep an eye out: the PSA is already airing on FOX 4.





Here's footage of the PSA:

Learn more about the YET and the 30-for-30 events at salvationarmyyet.org.

Multiply the impact of your giving
on North Texas Giving Day!
Coming Thursday, September 19!

NORTH TEXAS GIVING DAY: 
GET UP & GIVE! 

Set your alarm. Request a wake-up call. Or stay up all night waiting on 7 a.m. to arrive on Thursday, September 19. It’s North Texas Giving Day, sponsored by the Communities Foundation of Texas.

This isn't your typical fundraising event. When you make an online donation of $25 or more designating The Salvation Army as the benefiting charity, a portion of your donation will be matched, multiplying the impact of your giving!

An online donation is a great way to make a difference in your community.

Use this form to make a pledge today! We'll process all pledges on September 19.

Rowdy and kids from our community center
in Arlington showcasing designs
for a soon-to-be-built playground.

UPCOMING KABOOM! PLAYGROUND BUILD 

Children served at our community center in Arlington recently demonstrated their creativity by designing their dream playground. The kids’ ideas will be included when a brand new playground will be built by volunteers on October 1.

Sponsored by the Dallas Cowboys, Dr. Pepper Snapple, and KaBOOM!, the playground will be part of the Youth Education Town and will be a safe place for fun and fitness.

Kelsey Patterson of the Gary Patterson Foundation
(back row, left of door) standing beside
Lieutenants Markel and Carrie Banks of our
Northside community center in Fort Worth.

ACTIVITY IN THE METROPLEX 

We’ve had lots of recent activity from our partners and supporters!

In July, Hitachi held a month-long online fundraiser benefiting The Salvation Army, raising $6,843.06. 

Meanwhile, the Gary Patterson Foundation donated a brand new handicapped-accessible mid bus. The bus will serve children at our community center in Fort Worth.

Lastly,Team Up, Inc. donated bikes for 25 children served at our community center in Garland.

CONNECT WITH US!

Lots of news and events are on the horizon. Stay up-to-date by connecting with us our Facebook and Twitter pages!

Warm Regards,

 

Captain Michele & Major Ward Matthews
DFW Command Leadership