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Commencing with a red carpet event on May 8, 2009, the Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center, Coeur d’Alene, Ida., opened its doors to a crowd of thousands anxious to see everything the center had to offer. Five months later it continues to impact the community—and surrounding counties—with its services and programs.
Three weeks after the grand opening, 10,133 members had signed up—nearly 30 percent of the city’s population—but enrollment didn’t stop there.
According to Major John Chamness, executive director, the count is never constant. Numbers continue to grow. “Our current membership is 16,723 at the center,” he said.
“Drop in” events invite members to drop in on an activity and try it out. A hands-on water polo clinic—not usually offered—included a guest lecture by four-time USA Olympic coach Monte Nitzkowski.
Before the Kroc center there was no Salvation Army corps in the Coeur d’Alene area, but now the Coeur d’Alene Corps meets every week.
“We average around 150 at the Sunday service. And we expect that number to increase,” Chamness said.
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