The Salvation Army is hoping to make inroads with a new generation of philanthropists. Echelon, a sub-organization of the Salvation Army, hosts programs and events throughout the year to raise money for the homeless and to foster engagement in the charity.
CXTec executive and membership co-chair at Echelon Mike Kelly says that there is a place in the organization for young people who might not yet have the money to make large donations.
“The average donor age in the Salvation Army is in their 70’s,” Kelly said. “That’s almost designed to mobilize the younger generation. It just focusses on awareness, letting people know what the Army is. It’s not a big financial ask. It’s hoping to reach kids that are coming out of college and maybe before there’s a lot of funds to give.”
Echelon hopes new volunteers and future donors can help the charity maintain the force it needs to fight Syracuse’s notable homelessness problem. Kelly points out that the Salvation Army has an enormous presence in Syracuse — one of the largest in the country. Last year, nearly 40,000 people received assistance at one of the city’s three Salvation Army Centers: The Booth House, Barnabus Center and the Family Shelter.
“All three of them, at least a portion of what they do, is help them to deal with homelessness in this area,” Kelly said. “All ages, a lot of times kids don’t have a place to go and they just do what they can. So everything from kids who don’t have a home to go to, all the way up to adult men and women who may be battling addictions.
This month, Echelon will be hosting “Brunch in the Alley” in the alleyway leading to Sky Armory off of South Clinton Street. The fundraiser will be catered by Sky Armory and will feature a live performance by Ashley Cox of Professional Victims, as well as a live painter. All proceeds will go to the Salvation Army.
“At the core of it, anyone who shows up or anyone who sees pictures that people are going to hopefully share from the event, will start to paint a better picture in their mind of what Syracuse truly is and what it is capable of,” Kelly said.
“Brunch in the Alley” will take place Sunday, September 23rd. Click here for ticket information.