Salvation Army Luncheon recognizes supporters for service and contributions

By Bruce Walton | May 25, 2017 at 12:05a.m.

YOUNGSTOWN

The Salvation Army seeks to meet the needs of all people throughout the year.

But on one day of the year, the philanthropic organization also takes time to recognize the volunteers and donors who make its mission possible.

The annual civic luncheon was Wednesday at the DeBartolo Stadium Club at Youngstown State University. The event hosted hundreds of individuals and representatives of organizations that support the Salvation Army. The luncheon also celebrates the 133-year anniversary of the SA in the Youngstown area.

“[Our supporters] mean a whole lot to us,” said Maj. Elijah Kahn, local SA coordinator. “We are grateful, we are thankful, and we celebrate all our volunteers and donors who help us to succeed.”

Several supporters and volunteers received awards at the luncheon recognizing theirs effort on the SA’s behalf.

The recipient of the organization’s Other’s Award was Robert Mastriana, founding partner of the 4M Company LLC. Mastriana has served on the SA’s executive and advisory boards, and he serves the community with his work as an architect and restorer of historic landmarks in the Mahoning Valley.

Three individuals received the Distinguished Community Service Award, including Annie Hall, head of the East Side Crime Watch, headquartered at a former Youngstown fire station located at Oak and Fruit streets.

The organization also awarded Frederick J. Stillwagon with its Lifetime Advisory Board Membership Award for his service on the SA’s executive and property committees for more than a decade.

The event also gave the Salvation Army a chance to show off its many programs. The organization’s total support and revenue is more than $1.4 million.

Keynote speaker was George J. Limbert, federal magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio. He spoke on the importance of supporting others in tough times.

“I think it’s beholden upon all of us to contribute back to the community,” he said.

All luncheon proceeds will provide scholarships for the Salvation Army’s goal of 80 underprivileged children to attend Camp NEOSA in Carrollton.