The Bryan/College Station Salvation Army is sticking to the original date of May 7th for their annual “Doing the Most Good” luncheon fundraiser.
Captain Paul Ryerson says what will be a virtual event is free to join, you provide your own lunch, and watch the program from the comfort of your own home.
Donations will be accepted the day of the luncheon, and there will be a virtual auction that opens on Monday, May 4th.
Ryerson says they could not afford to postpone or cancel the event, due to record needs.
The luncheon’s featured speaker is the Commandant of Texas A&M’s Corps of Cadets, General Joe Ramirez (Ret.).
Click HERE for more information at the B/CS Salvation Army’s website.
Click below for comments from Paul Ryerson, visiting with WTAW’s Chelsea Reber:
News release from the Bryan/College Station Salvation Army:
The Hilton College Station & Conference Center Hotel won’t be the site of The Salvation Army’s ninth annual “Doing The Most Good” Luncheon in May. Your living room will. On May 7th at 12:00 Noon, anyone can go to www.salvationarmybcs.org to watch the luncheon streamed LIVE right from their living room.
Hailed as The Salvation Army of Brazos County’s biggest fundraiser of the year, the event will take place on Thursday, May 7, 2020, the original scheduled date; however, instead of dressing up and going out attendees will be able to dress down and stay in.
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused significant adjustments in almost all aspects of life throughout the state and nation. In compliance with current social distancing protocols, The Salvation Army decided to change to an online venue. The virtual fundraiser will include many elements seen at past “Doing The Most Good” luncheons, including participation from the 2020 featured speaker, Brigadier General Joe E. Ramirez (Retired), Commandant of the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M University. Additionally, a COVID-19 services update from Captain Paul Ryerson of The Salvation Army, an online auction and much more will be included.
“We have all been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic and The Salvation Army is no different. We have experienced a heightened need in recent weeks as more and more people have come to us for assistance; having been furloughed, had hours cut or been laid off,” said Captain Ryerson, commanding officer of The Salvation Army in Bryan/College Station. “We have continued to serve the community throughout this crisis and felt the need to keep to the original date of our luncheon – but to an online format. It’s going to be different for sure. We are confident the community will rally around the cause and embrace this virtual opportunity.”
More than 450 people attended last year’s event, which raised $185,000. All proceeds from the luncheon support the organization’s year-round work including food pantry, rent/utility assistance, emergency disaster services, Christmas assistance, character building program for the youth, and many other services.
“We are grateful to the sponsors of the “Doing The Most Good” luncheon who have generously agreed to continue their support as well as to those who have bought a virtual table for the event,” said Ryerson. “I encourage everyone to go to our website, www.salvationarmybcs.org, where you will find details and opportunities to engage with us to support our ongoing work.”
For more information about the 2020 “Doing The Most Good” virtual luncheon please visit www.salvationarmybcs.org or call The Salvation Army at 979-361-0618.