Mike Huckabee, 44th Governor of Arkansas and 2008 Presidential Candidate, to Speak at Salvation Army’s Annual Dinner

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, April 22, 2010 – The Salvation Army and presenting sponsor SunTrust Bank, announced today that Mike Huckabee, 44th Governor of Arkansas and 2008 Presidential Candidate, will be the keynote speaker at The Salvation Army’s “Everyday Heroes: Building a Solid Community” Annual Dinner. This year’s dinner will be held at the University of Memphis Holiday Inn on Monday, May 17 at 7 p.m.
Huckabee is currently the host of Fox News Channel’s number one rated weekend hit “HUCKABEE” and is heard three times a day on ABC Radio Network’s “Huckabee Report.” Huckabee is also the author of six books and has been recognized as a national leader by many leading publications and organizations.
“We are thrilled to have such a decorated speaker who exemplifies a passion for our country and understands the importance of ‘doing the most good,’” said Major Mark Woodcock, Area Commander of The Salvation Army. “Huckabee’s career and experiences have been focused on building strong futures for our country’s communities, which fits perfectly with the dinner’s theme “Everyday Heroes: Building a Solid Community.”
Johnny Moore, Jr., President and CEO of presenting sponsor SunTrust Bank, will introduce Huckabee.
Huckabee has received national recognition for his dedication to programs close to his heart. He was named one of 2005’s ‘Public Officials of the Year’ by Governing Magazine, and in the same year, was ranked as one of the top five best governors in America by Time Magazine. Huckabee, a musician in his own right, has helped further develop music education and was even presented the Music for Life Award in 2007 by the National Association of Music Merchants for his commitment. He also has placed a national emphasis on healthy living and diabetes awareness due to his personal experience with Type II Diabetes.
Prior to being a political leader, Huckabee was a leader within his community and was a pastor. He became the youngest president of the Arkansas Baptist State Convention where he guided growing congregations.
“We think Huckabee’s enthusiasm and dedication compliments the mission of The Salvation Army, as he values strong, stable communities,” said Major Woodcock. “Our annual dinner is an important event for us to raise money for our on-going programs and services that benefit the Memphis community. We feel confident Huckabee captures the essence of this year’s dinner, which is to recognize that it’s the everyday people in our community who are the true leaders in creating solid futures for our community. Their support and actions enable The Salvation Army to continue to meet the needs in our community.”
At this year’s dinner, The Salvation Army will present its “Doing the Most Good” Award, which recognizes a Memphis volunteer who has shown outstanding commitment to building a better community. Huckabee will present the award to the winner at a reception prior to the dinner.
The money raised at the annual dinner benefits the three shelters located within the Salvation Army’s Purdue Center of Hope facility. Renewal Place, Emergency Family Shelter and the Single Women’s Lodge are geared towards providing women and children who are in need with food, shelter and the necessities to build a solid life. These three programs serve hundreds of women and children every year.
Individual tickets for this year’s dinner are $125. Tables for 10 are $1,250. Premium levels of sponsorship for the annual dinner are also available. For more information on sponsorship levels, for general information on the dinner or to book tickets, please call Elizabeth Duncan at (901) 260-9130 or visit our Web site at www.salvationarmymemphis.org.