Renton Dinner and Concert Fundraiser
The Salvation Army Renton Corps annual dinner and concert fundraiser will be held on Tuesday, May 15, at 5pm. The seventh annual event, "Need Knows No Season," will be held at the Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center. Money raised at the event will benefit The Salvation Army Renton programs and services. Admission tickets are on sale now, $40 each.
This year's event will feature a concert by jazz trumpeter David Longoria. Mr. Longoria began playing the trumpet as a child while growing up in Renton. His first lessons and trumpet were free, from The Salvation Army. Since then, he has played with numerous musical legends, including Dizzy Gillespie, James Brown, and Marvin Gaye. Today, his musical style still includes jazz ...and also incorporates the genres of gospel, R&B, Flemenco, and other Latin styles. His new CD, "BALIA!," will be released this fall, with a 90-minute HD concert broadcast planned for PBS.
The Salvation Army Renton Corps continues to be a valuable asset in the community. In March 2012, more than 2,400 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 offered every weeknight. Each night, a home-cooked dinner is served at to the homeless, senior citizens, and people living on the edge. In March 2012, more than 1,700 free meals were served. "A warm, home-cooked meal is a simple luxury that many individuals and families can't afford." reported Salvation Army Renton Corps Officer Captain Chris Aird. "Fortunately, we can provide the nutrition and experience at the Renton Community Supper."
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. Currently, the program is limited to about 16 kids per night. However, additional funding will help expand the program. "The after-school music lessons offered today are the same lessons offered to David Longoria when he was a kid growing up in Renton," said Captain Aird. "Someday, we may hear of another successful musician who began lessons as a kid in The Salvation Army."
The fundraiser event is hosted by Renton Corps Advisory Council members, and led by event chairwoman Toni Nelson. Committee members include Denny Hamilton Marcia Loreth, Marcie Palmer, Debbie Russell, Janice Tanner, Lee Wheeler, and Peggy Ziebarth.
The event will begin at 5pm, with a social time and punch bowl. A buffet dinner will begin at 5:30pm, followed by a program hosted by Captain Chris Aird. The program will include an update on the work of The Salvation Army in Renton, and a Q&A with local author Richard Limieux ("Breakfast at Sally's"). The concert will begin promptly at 7pm.
To purchase tickets for the dinner and concert ($40 each), please call The Salvation Army Renton Corps 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.