Invocation: Matt Podhradsky
Our Guest Speaker was Jason Karpf, a Donation Director for the Salvation Army, Northern Division. Faith Ross also attended our meeting and has a similar role. Jason’s career in fundraising began with the Red Cross in California. He is also a part-time professor and a 4-time champion on Jeopardy.
The Salvation Army Mission Statement: “The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.”
Jason’s presentation covered:
- The Need
- The Role of the Salvation Army
- How We Can Help
Poverty and its effects on food insecurity, rent, and homelessness, and medicine affordability were described by Jason, and we had to imagine the plight of the 10,000 people who are without homes in Minnesota. Over 30 million people in the USA and 500,000 in the metro area have received social case work and disaster services from the Salvation Army. Matt Podhradsky added a personal experience related to the aftermath of a 1998 tornado in St. Peter, MN. The Salvation Army is
also noted for its care for emergency first responders during their service.
Jason noted that Rotary and the Salvation Army share a belief in the power of Service and asked that we consider helping through donation of cash, back
packs, coats, toys, or ringing collection bells in our community.
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