Awards for Commitment to Community Service Presented at 58th Annual Civic & Awards Luncheon
Cincinnati, OH (December 1, 2014) – The Salvation Army announced today that two awards were presented to local recipients at its 58th Annual Civic & Awards Luncheon, which was held Monday, November 17th at The Westin Hotel, downtown. The awards that were presented include the “Others” Award and the “Community Partner” Award.
“The Salvation Army’s heritage has been to acknowledge those whose commitment and service in support of our mission merits special attention,” explained Major Larry Ashcraft, Divisional Commander at The Salvation Army. “It takes many individuals, organizations and corporate groups to come along side us as we seek to lift up and help those who are most vulnerable in our community. By showing our appreciation to outstanding supporters, The Salvation Army strengthens the communal bonds that enable us to fulfill our mission.”
The “Others” Award is rooted in the history of The Salvation Army, dating back to the early 1900s when General William Booth, the Army’s founder, wanted to send a word of encouragement and direction to his officers around the world. Wanting to be thrifty yet make his message clear, the general sent this one word telegram: “Others.” Following that history, The Salvation Army honors an individual or organization exemplifying an extraordinary spirit of service to ‘others,’ not only through support of The Salvation Army but the broader community as well.
For 2014, the “Others” Award was presented to the Lindner family. Accepting the award on behalf of the Lindner family were Mrs. Edyth Lindner, and her son Carl Lindner III. The Lindner family’s efforts in support of the local community have been extensive for many decades. The family has also been a generous supporter of The Salvation Army for more than 20 years, and most recently provided a generous gift for a new pool at The Salvation Army’s Camp SWONEKY. In witness to the generosity of the family, the pool facility was named The Edyth & Carl Lindner Aquatic Center.
The Salvation Army presented a second award, the “Community Partner” Award, to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. Accepting the award on behalf of the Marines Corps Reserve was Major Mel Hungate, commander of the Communications Company 4th Marine Division. The Community Partner award highlights the contributions of an organization that extends an extra effort to come alongside The Salvation Army in its daily work to “meet human needs.” The U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots program has been instrumental as a partner with The Salvation Army’s annual Toy Shop, ensuring that thousands of area children receive toys each Christmas.
“We’re privileged to have the support and commitment of outstanding organizations like those we honored this year,” stated Matt Pearce, Development Director at The Salvation Army. “Every year, many special people and organizations step up to help us as we work to meet the needs of those in our community. Indeed, it’s challenging to select just a couple to recognize at the Annual Luncheon, and I’d want each and every supporter to know that we’re grateful and deeply blessed by their engagement with us.”
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