Salvation Army of Savannah to Hold Ambassador Ball Telethon
Thursday, July 23rd, 2020
The Salvation Army of Savannah (TSA) has announced an exciting new initiative for this year’s annual fundraiser – the Ambassador Ball. Due to the pandemic, this traditional fundraising event has been transformed into an on-air telethon and variety show in partnership with local NBC affiliate, WSAV-TV. The virtual fundraiser will take place from 8-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25 hosted by WSAV’s Tina Tyus-Shaw and Patty Turner. It will feature several entertainment acts, such as local folk-rock band, Danielle Hicks and The Resistance, Savannah VOICE Festival artists - Scott Joiner and Jessica Fishenfeld, American Traditions Vocal Competition (ATC) Gold Medalists Mikki Sodergren and Kim Michael Polote, and Phantom of the Opera star Carlton Moe. Profiles of TSA volunteers, staff, and the range of people the organization helps every day will also be showcased.
Before the event, TSA will launch an online auction and throughout the fundraiser, viewers can bid on items or make monetary donations to support the organization’s programs and services in the Coastal Empire. The fundraising goal for this year’s Ambassador Ball is $50,000 to help offset necessary funds that were expended in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which The Salvation Army provided housing, food, and spiritual and practical care for local individuals and families suffering economic and social hardships.
"Due to social-distancing requirements, we were disappointed that we would not be able to host this year’s Ambassador Ball in person, but thankfully we were blessed with WSAV’s partnership to make it better than ever. We are very excited to host our first virtual event and hope to make it an entertaining and impactful night for the community as we celebrate our 120 years of service to this great region. We remain thankful to the countless supporters who make our mission possible and who have supported us in this initiative,” said The Salvation Army of Savannah’s Major Paul Egan.
The organization expanded its emergency shelter facilities, provided kids' meals at their Community Center, delivered through their community-based canteens, distributed refreshments to area first responders, supported children in their shelter with online learning, and more. There was an immediate and sizeable surge in requests for food, clothing, rent and utilities assistance. The local nonprofit offers services in adult rehabilitation, basic needs, emergency disaster relief, emergency financial assistance, housing and homeless services, hunger relief, and youth care, and funds raised from the ball will allow The Salvation Army to continue responding to crucial needs in the community.
The Salvation Army has served greater Savannah for the past 120 years and has always supported the most vulnerable in our community. Whether the community is affected by COVID-19, hurricanes, floods, fires or the Spanish influenza that impacted the world over a century ago, The Salvation Army continues to serve those who need it the most.
To participate in the Ambassador Ball Telethon, tune into WSAV from 8-9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25. To make a monetary donation or bid on auction items, please visit www.TSABall.givesmart.com