This year’s winner, Seymour radio station WJJR, grabbed the $5,000 prize, sponsored by American Family Insurance for their charity – The Boys and Girls Club.

The Salvation Army Indiana’s DC – Major John Turner was at the wheel for Team WIBC as they exited the competition early due to a malfunction in the wheel assembly.

A big round of applause and gratitude goes to WIBC for their efforts on our behalf! See photos from today’s event here!

CASUAL FOR A CAUSE  

The Salvation Army’s CASUAL FOR A CAUSE program allows your business and employees help improve the lives of needy families in your community quickly, easily, and with little time investment.  All contributions go to local Salvation Army programs and services that provide help and hope to families affected by crisis, poverty, hunger, isolation, and troubled relationships.

YOUR EMPLOYEES

CASUAL FOR A CAUSE can easily be integrated into a casual day or a dress down day that already occurs, or it can be a unique event on its own.  Suggested donations include a donation of $1 for a day of casual dress, $5 for the week, $10 for the month, or any denomination familiar to the office.

Employees are the “keys to success” of the CASUAL FOR A CAUSE program.  Employees encourage each other to help the less fortunate by donating money to dress down for the day.  Employees are still required to follow the appropriate attire guidelines set out by the business.

HOW IT WORKS

Most of your employees like to know how they are helping needy families through The Salvation Army, and we are happy to provide you with informational material to acquaint them with Salvation Army programs and services.

WHAT YOU DO

• Track contributions and report CASUAL FOR A CAUSE totals
• Distribute CASUAL FOR A CAUSE  program materials to employees
• Your business or a business you partner with may elect to match funds collected on any particular day

WHAT WE PROVIDE

• Informational material for employees
• Signage for placement at your business’ entries, aisles, tables, or registers upon request
• Buttons for employees if available
• Acknowledgement of your business’ participation in any local public relations

PROMOTIONAL IDEAS

• Divide employees into fundraising teams that compete for prizes
• Promote CASUAL FOR A CAUSE campaign on your social media networks
• Promote CASUAL FOR A CAUSE in your employee newsletter

BENEFITS

• Provides a practical means for your business and employees to invest in your community
• Integrates easily with your normal business operations
• Provides a simple way for your employees to essentially volunteer while on-the-job

Money collected will be used for local programs and services carried out by The Salvation Army.  Collections should be directed to the attention of Mel McMahon, Corporate Relations Coordinator,  3100 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis, IN 46208  (317) 224-1019  mel_mcmahon@usc.salvationarmy.org

Color Me Mine, a paint-your-own ceramics studio in Carmel brought the studio experience to the Eagle Creek Corps, complete with paint and tiles. They will take the completed tiles and fire them in their kiln for longevity. Color Me Mine owner Noel shared with Captain Amos Shiels, Salvation Army, that he actually grew up in the neighborhood being served by the corps and even coached basketball in their gym.

The Open House at the Eagle Creek Corps was just one of several being held during the week to bring greater awareness of how The Salvation Army is serving in each community and what services are available for those who might benefit from them.

The Salvation Army Eagle Creek Corps will offer summer activities for kids who are currently in grades K-12. For more information or to volunteer, call 317-299-4454.

The Salvation Army will celebrate National Salvation Army Week, May 13-19, by highlighting its programs and services around the city of Indianapolis.  Last year, more than 1,900 homeless and abused women and children received care at our Shelter for Women and Children, nearly 2,300 men and women struggling to overcome substance abuse and addiction found the help they needed at our Harbor Light Center, and over 100 children regularly attended our after school programs at our community centers.  In addition, The Salvation Army provided 2.1 million meals and 96,000 safe nights of shelter for those in need. The public is invited to learn more about The Salvation Army by visiting these programs on the following days:

• Tuesday, May 15 – Open house at The Salvation Army’s Fountain Square Corps Community Center from 10am – 6pm. 1337 Shelby Street.  Learn about Salvation Army programs for youth and older adults. The Floribbean Flair food truck will serve lunch on location.
• Wednesday, May 16 – Open house at The Salvation Army’s Eagle Creek Corps Community Center from 10am – 6pm. 4400 North High School Rd.  Learn about Salvation Army after school programs and other special services.
• Thursday, May 17 – Open house at The Salvation Army’s Harbor Light Center from 10am – 6pm.  2400 North Tibbs Ave.  Learn about the Salvation Army’s programs for those struggling with addictions.
• Friday, May 18 –  Open house at The Salvation Army’s Shelter for Women and Children from 10am – 6pm.  540 North Alabama Street.  Learn how The Salvation Army is fighting homelessness and domestic violence with this very special program.  Johnson’s BBQ Shack food truck will serve lunch on location.

Founded in London England, The Salvation Army came to the United States when Lieutenant Eliza Shirley left England to join her parents, who had migrated to America in search for work. In 1879, she held the first meeting of The Salvation Army in America, in Philadelphia.  On March 10, 1880, Commissioner George Scott Railton and seven other officers arrived in New York City to begin the Army’s mission there. Three years later, Railton and other Salvationists had expanded their operation into California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

National Salvation Army Week was officially recognized by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1954.  President Eisenhower stated that, “Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of human brotherhood. Their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is a neighbor and kin to all Americans. Giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of us all.”