Bainbridge Salvation Army holds annual Appreciation Banquet
Published 10:14 am Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Jim Morrow
Daniel and Shelley Graham and Guy and Penny Moore
Bellringer of the year Johnny Skipper
Volunteer of the year Jenny Oldaker
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On Thursday evening, the Salvation Army held its Annual Patron and Volunteer Appreciation Banquet at the Bainbridge High School (BHS) cafeteria, bringing together a lively crowd eager to celebrate the organization’s impactful work and its dedicated supporters.
Christine Pugh, 2024 Chair of the Bainbridge Service Center Advisory Board, officially called the banquet to order. Following this, Christopher Bryant, BHS Principal, warmly welcomed the attendees, saying, “On behalf of our entire Bainbridge High School family, we want to welcome you and thank you for all you do for the Salvation Army. Your services make a difference in the lives of others.” After Bryant’s remarks, dinner was served, accompanied by a video presentation showcasing the Salvation Army’s ongoing efforts to help those in need.
Jim Morrow, Georgia Division Service Extensive Director, took the stage to recognize the Bainbridge Service Center staff, Advisory Board Members, newly installed 2025 officers, and incoming Advisory Board Members.
Merreann McDonald, Director of the Bainbridge Service Center, highlighted the significance of the Angel Tree program, one of the Salvation Army’s most significant Christmas initiatives. “The Angel Tree program provides toys and clothing to children, bringing joy to thousands of disadvantaged children across Georgia on Christmas morning, thanks to generous donors and volunteers,” she explained. McDonald expressed gratitude to Tiffany and Lee Lawrence of the Bean Cafe and Bainbridge Church pastor Laddie DeRocco for their contributions. She also presented the Angel Tree Award to Daniel, Shelley Graham, and Guy and Penny Moore of Bainbridge Church for their dedication to the program. Additionally, Johnny Skipper was recognized as the Bellringer of the Year for his tireless commitment to ensuring smooth operations during the December campaign. “He checks up on every bell ringer every hour of the day, every Tuesday during December, from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM,” McDonald noted.
Jenny Oldaker was honored with the Volunteer of the Year award for her extraordinary dedication, having contributed over 120 hours of her time in the past year. “She has generously donated her time for more than two years now, and her efforts in the last 12 months alone have been remarkable,” McDonald said.
The evening’s guest speaker, Major John Murphy, Georgia Divisional Commander for the Salvation Army, brought inspiring words to the event. With more than 25 years of service as an officer, Murphy oversees all Salvation Army operations in Georgia. A U.S. Army veteran with a master’s degree in Global Leadership from the Theological Seminary, Murphy resides in Atlanta and enjoys camping and spending time with his family.
Murphy emphasized the critical need for action in supporting people facing challenging situations and shared the Salvation Army’s incredible achievements.
“The Salvation Army is entering its 106 year and serves 134 countries across the globe,” he said. “Over 9 million people were helped through social service programs, more than 2 million were provided for during Thanksgiving and Christmas, and 300,000 individuals were supported during disasters. Additionally, over 400,000 people were given a place to lay their heads,” Murphy shared. He highlighted the Salvation Army’s camping programs for children in Jasper, Georgia, underscoring the importance of their holistic approach to serving communities.
Murphy concluded with reflections on three life attitudes from the parable of the Good Samaritan. He described:
• The bandits, who live by the motto “What’s yours is mine,” attack and rob the traveler.
• The priests, symbols of peace and sanctuary, pass by the traveler with the mindset “What’s mine is mine.”
• The Samaritan helps the traveler selflessly, declaring, “What’s mine is yours.”
Murphy outlined key traits of a Samaritan: responding to need, showing compassion, providing practical help, and offering ongoing care.
To conclude the evening, McDonald returned to thank everyone who made the event possible and expressed heartfelt appreciation for those involved with the Salvation Army’s mission. Tommie Howell ended the banquet with a closing prayer, leaving guests inspired by the collective efforts of volunteers, donors, and partners to create a meaningful impact.
