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Mike Fuljenz Surprises Audience with Challenge Gift

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With permission from the quarterly newsletter of The Salvation Army of Beaumont

Christmas came early for the Salvation Army when Mike Fuljenz and guest speaker at our Life Changers Award Banquet & Annual meeting dropped a one-ounce gold American Eagle coin into the Red Kettle at the end of his speech.

The purpose of the gift was to raise awareness of the importance of The Salvation Army Red Kettle drive each year. Mr. Fuljenz challenged other coin dealers around the country as well as the general public to donate whatever they could this holiday season.

As Major Estrada said, “It is only when people like Mike Fuljenz respond to the growing needs of others in such a positive way and then encourage others to do the same, that The Salvation Army is able to continue assisting the hundreds of families who seek our help every year.”

More than 180 guests filled the center ball room at the Compro Event Center last November as Advisory Board Chairman Pat Anderson welcomed all to the Life Changers Award Banquet and Annual Meeting. It was a time to say thank you to the many outstanding companies, volunteers, and donors for helping to make possible the programs and services that the Salvation Army provides each year. Recipients were Entergy Texas for sponsoring the Cooling Station; Munro’s Cleaners for sponsoring the Coats & Kettle Campaign; Exxon Mobil and the Beaumont Board of Realtors for their support of the Angel Tree Program; KFDM TV and Rao’s Bakery for sponsoring the Ugly Mug fund raiser during the 16th annual Toy Feast; Captain Otis Brooks, Boys & Girls Club Volunteer of the Year, and the “Doing the Most Good” Award for outstanding support of community projects as well as special friends to the Salvation Army went to sisters, Edra Bogucki and Ann Harder.

The night had plenty of music entertainment by The Salvation Army Brass Band. Special guest Majori Mario Maldonado also performed, accompanied by Worship Arts Director Ingrid Ljungholm on the piano.