Olympian, Politicians Kick-Off Opening

Thanks to a donation left by McDonald’s founders Ray and Joan Kroc, the 12-Acre facility in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho opens its doors.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
Media Contact: 
Stacy Howard
Community Relations Director
Northwest Divisional Headquarters
206-217-1280/206-714-1469
Stacy.Howard@USW.Salvationarmy.org

Olympic Athlete, Politicians Kick-Off The Kroc Center Grand Opening

SEATTLE, WA (April 30, 2009) - The largest community center in Northern Idaho, The Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center will celebrate its opening next week. The public is invited to tour, witness the ribbon-cutting, sign up for memberships and attend a free concert during the weekend’s events.

The new Salvation Army Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center spans more than 120,000 feet across 12-acres and includes:
-       10-lane competition size swimming pool with built-in spectator bleachers
-       Indoor Leisure Pool with 165’ waterslide, lazy river, zero-entry swimming pool, along with connected party rooms
-       5,350 sq. ft. fitness center with state-of-the art equipment
-       Rock climbing wall
-       Multi-Activity Court Gym with eight suspension hoops and three scoreboards
-       Indoor Walk/Jog Track
-       Group Fitness Studio with a spring-loaded floating floor
-       Chapel/Performing Arts Center (seats 400)
-       Recording studio
-       Game Room with Nintendo Wii units for exercise (Wii Fit) or play
-       Community Rooms for corporate events, meetings, weddings, etc.
-       Indoor/Outdoor playgrounds
-       Child Watch facility
-       Café with barista service
-       Commercial Kitchen with Catering Department

 

AGENDA: Friday, May 8, 2009
6:30 PM, Red Carpet Event (By invitation only)
Local donors and dignitaries will get a sneak peek of the facility.
Evening includes hors d’oeuvres and special concert.
            
Saturday, May 9, 2009
2 PM, Dedication Ceremony
Open to the public, guest speakers include Coeur d’Alene Mayor Sandi Bloem and Olympic Gold Medalist Swimmer Tom Malchow.
6 PM, Community Concert
The Salvation Army Seattle Temple Brass Band will hold a special performance.

Sunday, May 10, 2009
10 AM, The first worship service to be held in the chapel. Community invited.
12 AM-4 PM, Open house.

Monday, May 11, 2009
5am, Official Grand Opening. Center is open to the public.
Location: 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815                                   

The center was made possible through Joan Kroc’s $1.9 billion contribution to The Salvation Army upon her death in 2003. At the time, it was the largest charitable gift ever given to a single organization. The money was divided to fund construction of about 30 community centers throughout the United States. Coeur d’Alene’s location, is the third Kroc Center to be opened since the donation was made. The other two are in San Diego and San Francisco. Learn more at www.kroccda.org.

**for on-site interviews prior to or including event please contact PR Director listed above on cell phone to coordinate**
    
About The Salvation Army:
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination since 1865. Nearly 33 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. About 83 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in nearly 9,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to http://www.salvationarmynw.org.