RIBBON CUTTING FOR NEW COMMUNITY CENTER Tuesday, August 6th at 10AM
RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY SCHEDULED FOR NEW SALVATION ARMY COMMUNITY CENTER
PETOSKEY, MI, July 19, 2024 –The Salvation Army of Petoskey is excited to announce the public opening of its new Community Center located at 2350 Mitchell Park Drive in Petoskey. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday from 9AM-4PM (closed 12PM-1PM for lunch). A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held at 10AM on Tuesday, August 6th at the new center. Renovations to the vital community center began in November 2023 and concluded at the end of June 2024. The new center provides solutions to prior structural issues that limited the quality and capacity of many of the year-round programs and services offered through The Salvation Army of Petoskey. The new Community Center is barrier free, has ample parking space for the public, green space for outdoor play, a commercial kitchen and has the capacity to expand critical services such as Community Meals, and Senior programming.
“This project would never have happened without the support of many generous individuals, volunteers and businesses that shared our vision and joined together to make it happen” says Envoy Roman Hank. “We are truly blessed”.
Salvation Army officers came from Divisional and Territorial Headquarters to dedicate the new center to Christ through the service of others on June 15th, 2024. David Meyer of Meyer Ace Hardware was there to usher in the new era of service and carry on his family’s legacy. His grandfather Herman Meyer joined The Salvation Army Advisory Board in 1935 and helped secure the first facility they owned. Years later in 1956 while David’s father Herman Meyer II was serving on the Advisory Board they relocated to The Salvation Army’s last location with his help. David served on the Advisory Board for 20 years following his father from 1976-1996 and then stepped back up to help secure the new Community Center by combining his adept business skills with his love for the community. Other notable speakers present were Bear Creek Township Supervisor Dennis Keiser and Advisory Board Chairman Jeff Higgs who along with other board members made the project happen. The Meyer family and Chairman Jeff Higgs are the only recipients of the William Booth Award, the highest honor in The Salvation Army, since the Petoskey Corps was founded in 1901.
Many others devoted their time and expertise to ensure the acquisition and renovation project was a success. Ethan Swiger of Real Estate One spent many hours on the front-line, first to locate and negotiate the sale of the new property between the American Red Cross and The Salvation Army, and then finally to sell the prior facility. Serenity Dankert of Ironwood Construction oversaw the entire project. Fred Hackle of FAC Architecture, PLLC and Stafford Smith, Inc planned the design and installation of the commercial kitchen, Pro Image provided the outdoor electronic sign, Van Belkum installed the new communication system and Bob Drost of Drost Landscaping is currently working on the landscape. Now that the major renovations to the building structure are complete, The Salvation Army is in the process of working with experienced companies and will be taking bids to install the children’s playground within in the coming year.
The Salvation Army of Petoskey helps many individuals and families each year. To give, please visit SAPetoskey.org online and click on “Donate Now” or drop-off or mail checks to The Salvation Army of Petoskey located at 2350 Mitchell Park Drive, Petoskey, MI 49770. You can also donate gently used items and shop at The Salvation Army Thrift Store located at 1615 Clarion Ave in Petoskey. Proceeds support local programs and services.
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. For more information about our ministries, programs, or services, please visit www.SAPetoskey.org or call (231) 347-3531.