Women of Metro Detroit Swing Into Spring by Supporting Salvation Army Culinary Program
It may not have been spring weather outside, but flowers and cheer filled the room in St. Mary’s Cultural Center in Livonia this past Saturday. Metro Detroit’s Women’s Auxiliary hosted their annual Swing Into Spring event to benefit The Salvation Army Dearborn Heights Corps Community Center. DJ Aricka Truchan emceed the event and talked about her own experience volunteering as a bell ringer during Christmas and sandwich maker for the Bed & Bread Club. She also shared that as a young girl raised by a single mother, she received Christmas gifts and food from The Salvation Army, and she has been a dedicated volunteer since then because of her childhood experience.
Captain Shannon Martinez and Aricka Truchan.
After a delicious lunch, Captain (pastor) Shannon Martinez from Dearborn Heights presented details about the culinary classes offered to youth, families, and seniors at her corps community center. The program promotes healthy eating and teaches cooking skills for the community, and proceeds from the silent auction during the event went to support this effort. After the presentation, Aricka and Shannon had a Q and A session about The Salvation Army’s work in the community. The silent auction winners were then announced, and everyone collected their items, from home décor to Easter baskets to perfume sets. Lieutenant Colonel Theresa Turner ended the event with a benediction.
“The women in attendance enjoyed getting together and supporting our ministries,” said Major Judy Tekautz, Women’s Ministries Secretary. “What better way to say goodbye to winter and welcome spring!”