Laura Bush Helps Raise Cash for Salvation Army

Former First Lady Mrs. Laura Bush headlined The Salvation Army’s 2014 Civic Luncheon May 8 before an audience of 1,000 people.  The luncheon, held at the Sheraton Kansas City Hotel at Crown Center, raised nearly $350,000 for Salvation Army programs that provide assistance to families and children in the Kansas City metro area.

Laura Bush remains the most liked former First Lady in national polls.

Two long-time Salvation Army’s supporters were recognized at the event.  Virginia B. “Jinny” McCoy received the William Booth Award, one of the organization’s highest honors. It is given to an individual for outstanding service to the community and The Salvation Army and is named after the founder of The Salvation Army.  Jinny McCoy has been an active member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board in Kansas City since 2001, serving on numerous committees and providing valuable support and counsel.

Black & Veatch was given the Others Award, which honors an individual or company exemplifying an extraordinary spirit of service to others. As a global company, Black & Veatch, headquartered in Kansas City, provides supporter to more than 100 organizations and programs worldwide, including The Salvation Army.

In addition, Anita Gorman was formally inducted as a Lifetime Member of The Salvation Army Advisory Board at the Civic Luncheon in recognition of her long and exemplary service to The Salvation Army.  Mrs. Gorman has been a member of the board since 1979.

The Salvation Army has been helping people in need in Kansas City for more than 125 years.  Programs to assist families and children in the metro include emergency shelter and transitional housing programs for homeless families, an emergency shelter for children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse and/or neglect, two early education centers serving children from birth to five years of age, and a variety of programs to serve youth offered through eight community centers located across the Kansas City metro area.