Salvation Army co-chairs raise $1.8M with letter-writing campaign
When news of the coronavirus pandemic spread through Houston, Salvation Army of Greater Houston organizers hit pause on the nonprofit’s annual luncheon.
So co-chairs Jenny Elkins and Judy Tate put pen to paper. They asked would-be attendees to save the fundraiser’s original Jan. 27 date — just in case — and consider making a need-specific donation.
Their plan worked. The duo raised a record $1.8 million toward emergency assistance for Houstonians in need with a good, old-fashioned letter-writing campaign.
At grant levels ranging from $6,000 to $50,000, each supporter was able to designate where their grant money would do the most good.
Priority initiatives include:
• Providing shelter for 410 residents without homes and 122 low-income seniors
• Serving 1,300 daily meals to individuals and families living in Salvation Army housing and 380 daily meals to homeless residents
• Providing veterans with food, essential supplies and safe housing while they are in transition
• Focusing on the well-being of families, youth and seniors through Community Care Centers
• Providing coaching and case management over the phone and via video conferencing
• Creating drive-thru pantries for families struggling with food insecurity.
The in-person event, which is typically held at River Oaks Country Club, was scrapped by November.
On Jan. 28, an intimate group of 10 gathered around the corner at the home of Salvation Army board chair Ann Bookout. The small faction included Majs. Shelley and Zach Bell, vice chair Tom Forney and honoree Linda McReynolds, who dressed for the occasion in a cherry coat and red-soled heels — the nonprofit’s signature shade is red.
The masked, outdoor reception was short and sweet. Attendees became the first recipients of Tate and Elkin’s commemorative gift: a Texas-sized book to honor McReynolds and donors.
McReynolds was also presented with an inscribed, sterling silver Tiffany & Co. tray from 1923 as a personal keepsake.
“A friend thought we raised $180,000 and said, ‘Linda, that’s good for a pandemic!’ I told her, ‘No, we raised $1.8 million ,’” McReynolds shared. “I always knew God was going to help us raise the exact amount we needed to.”