Savannah readies ‘Virtual Ball’ fund-raising telethon
The Salvation Army in Savannah, Georgia, in past years has rented a big ballroom and invited upwards of a 150 people to its annual gala, a formal fundraiser with a catered dinner, inspiring speakers, uplifting music and a silent auction.
There will be no ballroom or dinner in 2020, given the restrictions on social gatherings due to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. But the fundraiser – renamed "The Ambassador's Ball" this year to honor volunteers, donors and supporters who serve as Salvation Army ambassadors – must go on.
"We sat down and said, what do we do in light of COVID-19?" said Samantha Greder, special events coordinator for The Salvation Army in Savannah. Obviously, the event would have to be virtual.
"The idea of a variety show and telethon formed," Greder said. "Our PR team has great connections with musicians. We did…