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Center is the ninth to open in the U.S.
The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia held a public ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 16, 2010, to dedicate The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Philadelphia, the ninth center to open in the United States.
Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania and Delaware Divisional Commander Lt. Colonel Donald W. Lance, Salvation Army Kroc Center Administrator Major Timothy Lyle, and General Secretary and Director of Operations Major Jorge Diaz presided over a ceremonial ribbon cutting at The Salvation Army Kroc Center. Amanda Latimer, granddaughter of the late Joan Kroc; Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter; State Senator Vincent Hughes, and a number of other federal, state and local representatives offered special remarks.
A dedication service followed with representatives of architect MGA Partners and construction manager T.N. Ward Company presiding over a “Presentation of the Keys,” and a special presentation by Salvation Army members to the Kroc family. The afternoon concluded with self-guided tours of the 130,000-square foot state-of-the art facility, the newest, largest, most comprehensive community center on the East Coast.
The Kroc Center in Philadelphia is expected to serve 750-1,000 people per day through fitness, sports, aquatic, educational and vocational programs, performing arts and horticulture, and much more when it opens to the public on Nov. 1. The center will create more than 400 jobs and $22 million in economic impact annually.
“The enthusiasm and commitment that the Philadelphia community has shown for this project has been unparalleled in the country,” Lance said. “We are grateful to the Kroc family, to the campaign leadership, to the government representatives, to corporate and foundation donors, and to private citizens who stepped up to ensure that The Salvation Army Kroc Center in Philadelphia was not only built to the highest standards, but that its operation is endowed to secure its long-term success.”
Site work and construction began in March 2009, and to date, The Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia has raised nearly $31 million—more than any other Salvation Army Kroc Center.
“There is no one who can enter this majestic facility and not feel that opportunity is theirs,” said Lyle, who serves as administrator of The Salvation Army Kroc Center and has overseen its construction, with his wife, Major Willie Mae Lyle.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center is one of the largest social service investments in Philadelphia’s history, exceeding $130 million, and doubling the Salvation Army’ social service impact in Philadelphia.
From a Salvation Army of Greater Philadelphia news release
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