Salvation Army Celebrates Community Support for “SOS: Sustain Our Shelter” Campaign
Salvation Army Celebrates Community Support for “SOS: Sustain Our Shelter” Campaign
Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
An outpouring of community generosity is bringing renewed hope to The Salvation Army of Northeast Kentucky as it celebrates the success of its 2026 Mission Essential Campaign, “SOS: Sustain Our Shelter.”
The campaign, focused on sustaining shelter operations and essential services for unhoused neighbors and vulnerable individuals and families, has brought together area businesses, organizations, community leaders, and individuals who believe in making a difference.
The celebration will take place Thursday, November 5, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Ashland Elks Lodge, located at 900 Carter Avenue in Ashland.
With a campaign goal of $200,000, SOS: Sustain Our Shelter represents more than a fundraising effort. It is an investment in the future of a vital community resource that provides shelter, meals, daily care, and compassionate assistance to neighbors experiencing difficult circumstances.
Captain Roslyn Morrison, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army of Northeast Kentucky, expressed heartfelt gratitude for the tremendous response from the community. “The community’s response to our SOS fundraising campaign has been overwhelming. It is truly inspiring to see businesses and individuals in our area come together to support our unhoused neighbors. We are filled with hope for the future of The Salvation Army in Ashland and look forward to what is to come in the next few years as we continue to serve the most vulnerable among us and build a stronger, more compassionate community,” said Captain Morrison.
The generosity of the community is especially meaningful following last year's Mission Essential Campaign, which helped save The Salvation Army's shelter operations in Ashland. This year's campaign builds on that momentum, focusing on the future and ensuring essential services remain available for years to come. “We are excited to celebrate the culmination of a successful fundraising campaign with those who have shown support for the work we are doing in this community to serve our unhoused neighbors,” Morrison added.
An Evening of Inspiration and Celebration
The November 5 celebration will feature two special guests who will bring inspiration, entertainment, and memorable moments to the evening.
Former University of Kentucky basketball star Cameron Mills will serve as the special guest speaker. Mills will share an inspirational message during an evening centered on perseverance, hope, and the power of community.
Adding to the celebration will be Marlana VanHoose, Christian music artist, whose powerful voice and uplifting musical performance will make the evening even more special.
Together, these guests will help celebrate the generosity of a community that has stepped forward to support its neighbors in need.
The event will feature business casual attire and will be an alcohol-free gathering.
A Mission of Hope Since 1909
For more than a century, The Salvation Army of Northeast Kentucky has been meeting human needs and offering hope to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances.
Since 1909, the organization has remained committed to helping neighbors through challenging times by providing essential resources, shelter, meals, daily care, and compassionate assistance.
For someone experiencing homelessness or a family facing an unexpected crisis, these services can mean the difference between having nowhere to turn and finding a place of safety, dignity, and hope.
The SOS campaign is about protecting that lifeline and ensuring The Salvation Army can continue its mission for generations to come.
Community Businesses and Individuals Make a Difference
The campaign has offered several sponsorship opportunities for area businesses, organizations, and community leaders to demonstrate their commitment to strengthening Northeast Kentucky.
Sponsorship levels include:
$10,000 – General Sponsor: Two VIP reserved tables for eight, recognition plaque, full-page advertisement in a premier location in the event program, recognition by the event emcee, recognition in the event program and media coverage, and company logo placement at a prominent Red Kettle location throughout the 2026 Christmas season.
$5,000 – Major Sponsor: One reserved table for eight, recognition plaque, full-page advertisement in the event program, and recognition as a Major Sponsor, in the event program, and in media coverage.
$2,500 – Captain Sponsor: One reserved table for eight, recognition as a Captain Sponsor, and recognition in the event program and media coverage.
$1,200 – Lieutenant Sponsor: Four reserved seats and recognition as a Lieutenant Sponsor in the event program.
Individual tickets are available for $125 per person, providing an opportunity for everyone to participate in the celebration and support the mission.
With a campaign goal of $200,000, every sponsorship and contribution helps sustain the essential services that make a difference in the lives of local residents.
Join the Celebration
Community members interested in attending, purchasing tickets, or learning more about sponsorship opportunities can scan the QR code featured on the event flyer or contact The Salvation Army directly.
Checks should be made payable to:
The Salvation Army of Northeast Kentucky
Sponsorship payments may be mailed to:
The Salvation Army of Northeast Kentucky
P.O. Box 1405
Ashland, KY 41105
Please include “Mission Essential 2026” on the memo line.
For additional information, call (606) 329-2874 or visit www.SalvationArmyAshland.org.
Together, We Can Sustain Hope
The success of the SOS campaign is a shining example as to what can happen when a community comes together with a shared purpose. The support of local businesses, individuals, and organizations is helping strengthen the foundation of an organization that has served Northeast Kentucky for more than a century.
As The Salvation Army looks toward the future, its message is simple: no neighbor should have to face life's hardest moments without help.
The November 5 celebration will be an opportunity to recognize those who have made this mission possible, share in an evening of inspiration and music, and look ahead to the continued impact of The Salvation Army in Ashland and throughout Northeast Kentucky.
When we sustain our shelter, we sustain hope. And when a community comes together, lives are changed.
EVENT INFORMATION
SOS: Sustain Our Shelter – Mission Essential Campaign 2026
Date: Thursday, November 5, 2026
Time: 6:00–7:30 p.m.
Location: Ashland Elks Lodge, 900 Carter Avenue, Ashland, KY 41101
Special Guest Speaker: Cameron Mills, former University of Kentucky basketball star
Musical Guest: Marlana VanHoose, Christian music artist
Individual Tickets: $125 per person
Campaign Goal: $200,000
Attire: Business casual
Event: Alcohol-free
For tickets, sponsorship opportunities, or additional information:
The Salvation Army of Northeast Kentucky
(606) 329-2874
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