Modesto Salvation Army Receives Large Gift

Two days before Christmas, The Salvation Army in Modesto was presented a check of almost two million dollars--$1,731,533.91. It was not a surprise as the estate had been in process for around a year—but it was very gratefully received. This generous provision was willed to her favorite charity by Elinor Sauerwein who had worked diligently, lived frugally, and wisely invested her money in order to leave them this large gift.

The money cannot be used for daily operations and needs. It has been sent to The Salvation Army Territorial Headquarters where it has been placed in an interest earning endowment fund which will keep on giving to the local area. Half of the funds will be used for capital projects such as improvements on The Salvation Army buildings at the Citadel, Red Shield Center and Homeless Shelter in Modesto.

Brian Aird, local business administrator, promises that all funds will be used locally, frugally, and judiciously to help others as Mrs. Sauerwein would have wished.

Janice Curtin Wins Award

Advisory Board member Janice Curtin, Marketing Manager at Vintage Faire Mall, has received an Individual Recognition Grant of $500 from The Macerich Company in honor of her many hours of volunteer commitment to The Salvation Army in Modesto. She has given this check to the Child Development Center “Let’s Read” project which supplies books and instructional training for families to encourage parents to read with their students.

The Salvation Army Band Has Marched In The Pasadena Rose Parade More Than Any Other Band

The longest participating band to march in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA, is The Salvation Army band. It has marched every year since 1920, this year being the 92nd consecutive year. They were seen in person and on television by millions on January 2 in the parade themed “Just Imagine…”

There were 48 young people from across North America, including Canada, which joined with the Salvationists from Southern California for the 5.5 mile parade route. Every U.S. territory was represented and a band from the United Kingdom came as special guests. The entire group was led by Bandmaster Kevin Larsson, Southern California divisional music director, for the 11th year.

The band played the march, “Stand Up for Jesus”. A participating tuba player said, “The Salvation Army’s participation in the Rose Parade is a way to witness to the world through our music, making a stand for Jesus in the midst of everything else happening along the parade route.”

The Child Development Center Has Triplets

For the first time since the opening of The Salvation Army Child Development Center here in Modesto, triplet students have enrolled. They are four-year-olds Mary, Mona and Melia Cortez.