Renton Corps Hosts 9th Annual Fundraiser Dinner
Seattle Seahawk Russell Okung to Speak at Renton Fundraiser on Wednesday, June 4
The Salvation Army Renton Corps annual dinner fundraiser will be held on Wednesday, June 4, at 5:30pm, and feature Seattle Seahawk Offensive Tackle Russell Okung as its keynote speaker. The ninth annual event, “Need Knows No Season,” will be held at the Renton Pavilion Event Center. Money raised at the event will benefit The Salvation Army Renton programs and services. Admission tickets are on sale now, $50 each.
Russell Okung was born and raised in Texas, and attended Oklahoma State University, where he was named to the All-American team in 2008 and 2009 by Pro Football Weekly. In 2009 he was one of the 12 finalists for the Lombardi Award. He joined the Seattle Seahawks in 2010, selected during the first round of the NFL draft (sixth pick overall). As Offensive tackle, he has been selected to the Pro Bowl (2012) and led the team to this year’s NFC Championship and Super Bowl victory.
During the keynote speech, Russell Okung will be joined onstage for an informal “interview” by Tony Ventrella. Mr. Ventrella is Digital Media Host for the Seattle Seahawks and SoundersFC – where he produces and hosts team, community outreach, and corporate partner videos on both teams’ web sites. He is well known for 40-year career in the media – from his days as a sports reporter at the Wilton Bulletin in Connecticut to radio sportscaster and later television anchor in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He continued his television career in Seattle, where he was sports director at KING-5 and KIRO-7 television for 22 years.
The annual fundraiser dinner will inform attendees about the work The Salvation Army continues to do in Renton. In March 2014, more than 2,500 residents depended on The Salvation Army Food Bank for food and cooking ingredients for their families.
Plus, The Salvation Army Renton Corps has seen a significant spike in demand for other services. Among the most popular programs is the free Community Supper, now available seven nights per week. Each night, a home-cooked dinner is served at to the homeless, senior citizens, and people living on the edge. In March 2014, more than 3,500 free meals were served. “We’ve expanded this program because there is a need in this community,” reported Salvation Army Renton Corps Officer Captain Chris Aird. “Five nights a week wasn’t enough – people need to eat every day.”
The after-school program is also growing. Renton children can attend free after-school homework tutoring and music lessons. For working families, the structured, safe environment of The Salvation Army after-school programs is a valuable benefit. In March 2014, nearly 40 kids participated each day in the after-school tutoring program.
The Renton fundraiser dinner is sponsored by generous supporters of The Salvation Army, with Fred Meyer as Presenting Sponsor. Sponsorship of the event is still available at all levels. Corporations, organizations, and individuals interested in supporting The Salvation Army and the event should contact Captain Chris Aird at 425-255-5974. Event sponsors receive tickets and prominent seating for the event, and exposure throughout the event.
The evening will begin at 5:30pm, with registration and social time, followed by a buffet dinner at 6:15pm. Attendees will have an opportunity to make a donation to The Salvation Army in Renton, to help continue the programs and services offered to the less fortunate in the community.
To purchase tickets for the dinner ($50 each), please call The Salvation Army in Renton at 425-255-5974, ext. 15. Friends who can’t attend the event, but still wish to make a donation, should send contributions to The Salvation Army, P.O. Box 977, Renton, WA, 98057.
Unable To Attend? Make A Donation Today!
The continued work of The Salvation Army relies on the generosity of donors. If you can’t attend the "Need Knows No Season" fundraiser, please consider making a donation to help fight hunger and provide social services in Renton. Your donation will stay local and be used in your community to help those in need.
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