The Salvation Army of Savannah (TSA) celebrated their 120-year anniversary of serving the greater Savannah community and successfully raised $53,468.11 from their virtual Ambassador’s Ball fundraiser last night, Aug. 25, through monetary donations and funds raised through the online auction. These funds were doubled by the generosity of an anonymous donor who matched all donations made creating a grand total of $106,936.22, which will go to support the organization’s programs and services in the Coastal Empire. 

Due to the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic, this traditional annual fundraising event was transformed into an on-air telethon and variety show in partnership with local NBC affiliate, WSAV-TV. The original fundraising goal for this year’s Ambassador Ball was $50,000 to help offset necessary funds that were expended in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, during which The Salvation Army is providing housing, food, and spiritual and practical care for local individuals and families suffering economic and social hardships.

Vice-President and General Manager at Nexstar’s WSAV, Marc Hefner, said “We know how much The Salvation Army continues to do for our community, and demands on this non-profit organization continue to be extremely high due to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. WSAV is committed to supporting people in the greater Savannah community and when we were invited to partner with The Salvation Army to transform their annual fundraiser – the Ambassador’s Ball – into a virtual telethon we were happy to donate our time and expertise to make it a reality.”

TSA is very thankful to WSAV for their partnership with this initiative and to WSAV’s Telethon co-hosts Tina Tyus-Shaw and Patty Turner for hosting the evening’s proceedings.

Tina Tyus-Shaw said “WSAV has a long partnership with The Salvation Army in Savannah and we were delighted to step it up this year to make their first virtual fundraiser a reality. We are thrilled with the success of the telethon and thank everybody who took part in the miracle of giving to support the vital work of The Salvation Army in our community.”

Patty Turner commented, “The Salvation Army helps those who need it most in our community, so please consider being part of the solution by supporting The Salvation Army – it’s never too late to donate!”

During the worst of the pandemic, 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. 

“We are extremely grateful to all who worked hard to make this event happen, and to all of the viewers and donors who joined our first virtual event and made it an entertaining and impactful night as we celebrated our 120 years of service to this great region. We remain thankful to our volunteers, staff, and countless supporters who make our mission possible and allow us to do the most good in our community,” said The Salvation Army of Savannah’s Major Paul Egan. “We want to give a special thank you to Davenport House Museum and Old Town Trolley for their support and to the entertainers who dazzled us with their performances: 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.”

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.

There is still time to make a monetary donation to commemorate the organization’s dedication to the Coastal Empire for 120 years. To donate or for more information about The Salvation Army of Savannah, please visit https://salvationarmygeorgia.org/savannah/ or call 912-200-3004 and follow the organization via social media.