Tuesday, May 02, 2006

What a Kroc...



“In 2004, Mrs. Joan Kroc, widow of McDonald's founder Ray Kroc, gave The Salvation Army an estate gift in excess of $1.5 billion for the exclusive purpose of building KROC Centers in many communities across the United States. None of the gift can be used for existing programs, services or administrative costs.”
The bequest was to be used to build 30 community centers across the country.

The selected cities are:
Long Beach, California; Coeur d'Alene, Idaho; Honolulu, Hawaii; Phoenix-South Mountain, Arizona; Salem, Oregon; and San Francisco -- Tenderloin, California.

“The application process was very competitive and site selections were made based on the following criteria: how well the proposals advance The Salvation Army's mission to meet human needs in Christ's name; implement Mrs. Kroc's vision to give kids opportunities they would not otherwise have; enhance under-served communities; cost-effectively develop high-quality KROC Centers; and provide the best opportunity for long-term sustainability.”

In contrast, luxury resorts using the criteria of tourism, scenic value, recreation opportunities, wealth concentration, and luxury demand, now plan to open facilities in Detroit, Philly, Chicago – southside, Washington, D.C. – anywhere on the Metro orange line, and Hillsdale, Michigan.

“NOTE: Traditional social service programs that The Salvation Army is noted for such as homeless feeding and emergency family services are not part of this Center and individuals seeking such assistance will be referred to the Army's existing programs throughout the city and surrounding areas.”