Gov. Phil Bryant credited the Salvation Army’s openly religious convictions as to why he is now on its advisory board, he said at a fundraising event for the organization Thursday at Southwest Mississippi Regional Medical Center.
“There are a number of boards that I’m not on, but the Salvation Army impresses me because it isn’t afraid to hide the importance of faith and religion to its organization. That is why I got involved,” he said.
Bryant spoke briefly at the event before returning to Jackson.
Bryant is a member on the newly created Mississippi advisory board which promotes the Salvation Army and assists with its fundraising efforts.
McComb Salvation Army Lt. Trish Arguello has been leading efforts to publicize the local chapter, which continues to suffer from decreased donations.
Money raised from the fundraiser, including donations from Army sponsors, will be put into the Army’s family services emergency fund.
Arguello didn’t have a full turnout count Thursday, but said there were 144 place settings, and the place was nearly full. She said the fundraising event served its purpose.
“We are happy about the number of people that showed up. Most left contact information. That’s what this was all about,” she said.
Arguello said Gov. Bryant’s appearance helped spark ticket sales, but advisory board members played an instrumental role as well. Advisory board chair Ryan Adair sold 38 tickets at the last minute, Arguello said.
After lunch was served, Terry Lobell, a small business owner and pastor at Church of the Wind in Livingston Parish, Louisiana, gave his testimonial. The Salvation Army assisted Lobell’s family and mother when she was homeless. Lobell recalled how the Army fed his family, sheltered them and gave them toys just before Christmas.
Gov. Bryant also made a call to the audience to help the Salvation Army.
“Whoever came up with the term public servant got it right. We aren’t public bosses, we are servants,” he said. “Southwest Mississippi needs your help. ... Much is asked to whom much has been given.”
The Salvation Army will hold events around the holidays and plans to hold a golf tournament fundraiser in the spring. In the meantime, Arguello encouraged people to get involved.
“This event helped, but we won’t make it long,” Arguello said. “We need more people to get involved with the Army. It’s not just about money, it’s about time and talent. Once members start volunteering and realize the impact they are producing, they want to become part of the Army. That’s what we need most.”
