GENEROUS PHSACF AWARD OF $15,000 FOR EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS DEPLETED
GENEROUS PHSACF AWARD OF $15,000 FOR EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE IS DEPLETED
The Salvation Army’s Sunset Cruise for the Community is Struggling to Raise Funds Before Winter Chill
PETOSKEY, MI, August 12, 2024 –The Salvation Army of Petoskey was blessed to receive a $15,000 award through Petoskey - Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation last fall to address the critical needs of many struggling local families through its Emergency Financial Assistance Program (EFAP); however, funds have now been depleted with another frigid winter right around the corner. The Sunset Cruise for the Community is the end-of-summer fundraiser sponsored by Friends of The Salvation Army to raise funds and awareness for programs and services that assist struggling local households with critical human needs such as EFAP, child and senior programs, addiction recovery support and more.
EFAP provides assistance for heat, electricity, food, rent and other basic human survival needs that threaten a household’s livelihood or individuals ability to maintain a stable household. Because the need for assistance has risen and inflation has increased the cost needed to stabilize each household, the amount of emergency financial assistance given has tripled post pandemic, yet donations have decreased.
Advisory Board Chairman Jamie Stoflinsky says "Your support can make a world of difference. By donating to the Salvation Army, you're helping provide critical services and support to those in need. Join us in making a positive impact in our community - your generosity changes lives."
The Sunset Cruise is a fun-filled light-hearted social affair with savory hors d’ oeuvres and sweets provided by local caterer Sarah McDonnell of Little Bay Gourmet. Boaters can relax and sip on a beverage while chatting with friends, learn about historical rescues at the maritime display and enjoy the poetry of traveling Bard Jim Ribbey aboard the Harbor Princess while viewing one of Lake Michigan’s million-dollar sunsets on Little Traverse Bay.
“Without your help, we may not be able to provide rent, utilities and other critical survival needs for many struggling individuals and families who desperately reach out to us for help” says Envoy Roman Hank. “If you are unable to attend the Sunset Cruise, you can still give through the ticket link page at https://donate.sagreatlakes.org/sunsetcruise, stop into our new Community Center located at 2350 Mitchell Park Drive in Petoskey, or by call (231) 347-3531”.
Last fiscal year, The Salvation Army of Petoskey disbursed $751,498 in emergency financial assistance and provided an additional $96,667 in leveraged utility assistance through case management services. Government resources controlling leveraged funding were down from the prior year resulting in a total of $848,165 of assistance that went to neighbors in need.
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.