Salvation Army Royal Oak Citadel Celebrates 90 years in Community

The Salvation Army of Royal Oak Citadel is celebrating its 90th anniversary of serving those in need in and around Royal Oak. The community is invited to “come home for the music, the spirit and the fellowship” with many events taking place throughout the weekend of Oct. 10 – 13. 

The celebratory weekend kicks-off with the Army of Stars awards dinner at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10 at the Royal Oak Citadel, 3015 N. Main St. The dinner will honor local groups, volunteers and community leaders for their tireless efforts in supporting The Salvation Army. WXYZ news anchor Joanne Purtan and longtime Salvation Army supporter and Detroit radio Hall of Famer Dick Purtan will emcee the event.

Awards will be handed out to those who are Doing the Most Good in southeast Oakland County:

• The prestigious Mildred Stockley Award will be given to Troy High School for its volunteer efforts during the Christmas season.
   
• The United States Postal Service will receive the Civic Service Award for its participation in the annual “Stamp Out Hunger” campaign that collects non-perishable food items.
   
• Rounding out the Army of Stars award winners will be advisory board members Jim Booker and Bob Westbury, Tom and LuAnn Schimansky, the Royal Oak Citadel Women’s Auxiliary, Jewish Vocational Services, Excell Group, Nichols Bunch Staffing, New Horizons Computer Learning Centers of Michigan and Champion Homes.

A limited number of complimentary tickets are available for the Army of Stars award dinner by calling 248-585-5600. 

“This is an opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to those in need. We can’t think of a better way to thank, celebrate and honor all those who have supported The Salvation Army throughout the Citadel’s 90 year history in the community,” said Captain Peter Mount, commanding corps officer of The Salvation Army of Royal Oak Citadel. 

Among those coming “home” for the weekend celebration are former Royal Oak Citadel commanding corps officers: Major Albert Rowland (1974-1982), Lieutenant Colonels Eric and Dorothy Britcher (1982-1984), Commissioners Barry and Susan Swanson (1984-1990), Lieutenant Colonels Daniel and Rebecca Sjögren (1992-1995), Colonels William and Susan Harfoot (1995-1997), Majors Jesse and Kelly Collins (2001-2005), and Majors Monty and Angela Wandling (2009-2013).

The Royal Oak Citadel 90th anniversary celebration continues onSaturday, Oct. 12 with various fun events that are open to the community including:

• A pancake breakfast from 9 – 11 a.m. at the Royal Oak Citadel Community Center. Former Royal Oak corps officers will cook and serve traditional buttermilk and Swedish pancakes, along with fruit, sausage and beverages. Tickets are $5 for adults, $3 for children 10 and under.
• The 90th Anniversary Banquet at 4:30 p.m. at the Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave. Patron package tickets are $30 and include dinner, VIP seating at the 90th anniversary concert, a flash drive highlighting the Citadel’s heritage, souvenir program and songster CD. Each additional banquet ticket is $20.
• A celebratory 90th anniversary concert will immediately follow the banquet at 7 p.m. World renowned Salvation Army composers James Curnow and William Himes will each conduct The Salvation Army Royal Oak Citadel brass band. Captain Sally Broughton will also join the band as a special guest. The concert is free and open to the public. No ticket is required.

For more information on any of the Royal Oak Citadel’s 90th anniversary celebration events or to RSVP, please call (248) 585-5600 or visit www.royaloakanniversary.com.

The Salvation Army of Royal Oak Citadel was established by Ensign Eva Symmonds in 1923 and has been dedicated to serving southeast Oakland county ever since. Throughout its nine decades, the nonprofit has expanded the vital social services it provides to the community to include food and shelter, utility assistance, after school programming, outdoor activities, and music and performing arts.