Dreaming big in Santa Rosa

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Pat Boone and Miss California 2007 Melissa Chaty join in Santa Rosa’s annual civic dinner.

by Sidne Goodwin –

Captain Fred Rasmussen and Melissa Chaty.

Over 400 people attended Santa Rosa’s annual civic dinner held recently at the Veterans Memorial building. Guests had the opportunity to visit with Pat Boone and Miss California 2007, Melissa Chaty, before the meal.

Jackie Simons, chairman of the advisory board, made opening remarks, and Marcy Smothers (wife of comedian Tom Smothers), emceed the event. Highfeather Catering prepared the dinner, and men from the Lytton Springs Adult Rehabilitation Center (ARC) served. The Double Punches Boxing Club gave a demonstration, and Inner City Changes, a break dancing and urban arts club, also entertained.

Chaty presented “Dream Big Awards” to three local supporters of The Salvation Army: John E. Brown, an advisory board member for over 20 years; Dr. John Palmer, a counselor for many years at the Lytton Springs ARC; and Ken Martin, a long-time donor.

Barbara and Steve Allen, Salvationists from Pasadena, Calif., presented several songs, encouraging audience participation. Boone’s remarks focused on life’s lessons of stewardship. He stated that The Salvation Army allows people to help others on a much broader basis than one can do individually, thereby fulfilling God’s command to do as much good as possible.

Del Oro Divisional Commander Major Linda Markiewicz offered the benediction.

Hosts for the evening were Captains Fred and Patty Rasmussen and Captains Mark and Vicki Gilden, all from the Santa Rosa Corps.


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