The Salvation Army Camden Kroc Center Announces 10^th Anniversary Plans and Committee Members

Camden, NJ – Planning for the 10^th anniversary of The Salvation Army Camden Kroc Center is underway! This year marks 10 years of welcoming more than 2 million people through the Camden Kroc Center’s doors.

To recognize this extraordinary milestone, a large and far-reaching 10^th anniversary committee has been formed, with Liz Thomas of Mount Laurel, founder and CEO of Thomas/Boyd Communications in Moorestown and a long-time supporter of the Camden Kroc Center, at the helm serving as chair of the committee.

“The response to invitations to serve on the special anniversary committee has been overwhelming in the best possible way,” said Thomas. “Everyone we have invited has said ‘Yes,’ and we are thrilled to have a growing group of friends, supporters and volunteers to help us plan and execute special events around this major 10-year milestone.”

Members of the Camden Kroc Center’s 10^th Anniversary Committee include:

Committee Chair: Liz Thomas, Thomas/Boyd Communications

Committee:

• William Barker, Original Camden Kroc Center Campaign Committee Member
• Ardella Coleman, Cooper University Health Care
• Steve Dixon, Former Camden Kroc Center Leadership
• Zulma Gonzalez-Lombardo, Interstate Outdoor Advertising
• Laura Gottlieb, ResinTech
• Jennifer Goudy, The Horizon Foundation for New Jersey
• Diane Johns, Campbell Soup Company
• Maureen Josephson, CHOP
• Dan Keashen, Camden County
• Jim Kehoe, Tonio Burgos & Associates
• Dylan Kelly, Kelly Drums
• Meredith Lorrilliere, Chamber of Commerce of Southern New Jersey
• Malik Majeed, U.S. Facilities/PRWT
• Frank McLaughlin, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection
• Jeneice Mowad, Holman Enterprises
• Joe Myers, Camden Community Partnership
• Stacey Pierce, EMR
• Veronica Ramirez, The Salvation Army – Camden Kroc Center Ambassador
• Carla Reinas, TD Bank
• Wanda Saez, Wells Fargo
• Paige Salvador, US Cold Storage
• Major Richard Sanchez, The Salvation Army – Camden Kroc Center
• Loretta Sheldon, The Salvation Army – Camden Kroc Center Ambassador
• Paul Tropea, RBC
• Joseph Ventresca, Former Camden Kroc Center Campaign Chair
• Denise Venuti Free, New Jersey American Water
• Fred Wasiak, Food Bank of South Jersey
• Nyeema Watson, Rutgers University – Camden

Honorary Committee:

• Maryann Camardo, The Michael and Maryann Camardo Foundation
• Mayor Victor G. Carstarphen, City of Camden
• Stephen Dragos, Former Executive Director for Greater Camden Partnership
• Councilman Angel Fuentes, City of Camden & Deputy County Clerk, Camden County
• Beth Kitchen, Kitchen & Associates (now Thriven Design), Architect for the Camden Kroc Center
• Dana L. Redd, Camden Community Partnership
• Frank Robertson, Former Advisory Board Chair for The Salvation Army – Camden
• Chief Gabriel Rodriguez, Camden County Police Department

While details for the Kroc Center’s 10^th anniversary celebration are still in development, a few plans have already been set for the three-day, community-focused celebration, which will begin Friday, October 4 and conclude Sunday, October 6.

“We love history and are indebted to those that have gone before us. As such, we want to honor the dedication, tenacity and resilience of all those who have made the Kroc vision possible,” said Major Richard Sanchez, Administrator of The Salvation Army Camden Kroc Center. “We are excited to celebrate with so many wonderful people and partners – recognizing that they made The Salvation Army Camden Kroc Center a reality in the face of daunting obstacles. Our hope is that our friends continue to join our heartbeat of service and transformation. Many thousands of families call this place home and find meaning, opportunity, love, and fun here. As we kickoff our 10-year celebration, we welcome everyone in!”

Special anniversary events set to date include:

• Thursday, October 3 – Kick-Off Event

Kick-Off to the 10^th Anniversary and celebration of the Camden Kroc Center’s Contributions to the Community.

• Friday, October 4 – Large-Scale Food and Supplies Distribution Event

Outdoor Drive-Thru Distribution and Community Service Event.

• Saturday, October 5 – Community Event and Celebration Gala
  • Community Event – free, large-scale public event at the Camden Kroc Center during the day, featuring healthy cooking, eating/well-bring, physical health, arts, culture, senior health and fun.
  • Celebration Gala – elegant, non-ticketed evening event in celebration of the Camden Kroc Center’s 10^th Anniversary.

• Sunday, October 6 – Church Rededication and Fellowship Lunch

Closing event for the Camden Kroc Center’s 10^th Anniversary celebration, including a special commemorative chapel service followed by a meal and fellowship.

More event information and anniversary details will be made available via the Camden Kroc Center’s website: CamdenKrocCenter.org.

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About The Salvation Army Camden Kroc Center

Opened in 2014 to enhance The Salvation Army’s ministry in the City of Camden since 1880, The Salvation Army Camden Kroc Center is a 125,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art community center where opportunity meets potential. With over 25,000 annual visitors, the Camden Kroc Center provides recreational, health, educational, cultural, and spiritual holistic programming for the entire family. From first-time swimmers to experienced athletes, the Kroc Center has hosted over 2 million visits since its opening, striving toward Camden’s transformation in body, soul, and spirit. Visit www.camdenkroccenter.org to find out how you can help empower families, youth, and seniors in the Camden region.