When people think of The Salvation Army, the first thing that may come to mind is ringing bells and red kettles at Christmas, or thrift stores, yet, the church offers so much more. 

A hot meal, warm shower and clean clothes are a few examples of how Kalispell’s Salvation Army provides aid to the community in addition to religious programs. 

One of the earliest ministries for The Salvation Army in Kalispell during the mid-1890s was serving meals.

“The first thing they did was serve meals for people coming off the train,” Maj. Steve Svenson said. “They used that opportunity to minister to new people in town.”

Svenson said a laundry facility is the most recent service offered to people in need. A washing machine and dryer were installed last year.

In 2013, 29,666 meals were served, 1,451 showers provided, 2,660 gifts distributed to nursing homes and 10,133 clothing and household items distributed to people in the Flathead Valley, not including the hundreds of school supplies and Christmas toys.

“The community has been very supportive,” Svenson said.

The Salvation Army is stepping out to raise money in a new way — with a community celebration.

Dames and Daddy-O’s should get ready for a swell time at the first Salvation Army Gala on March 22.

The gala will have a 1940s to 1950s theme featuring live music by big band Swingin’ On High, a dance competition, vintage car show, silent and live auctions and dinner and dancing. The gala will be from 5:30 to 10 p.m. March 22 in the Expo Building at Flathead County Fairgrounds. Tickets are $40.

There is a request for three more high-level dance couples from local studios or clubs to participate in the dance competition. The audience will vote for the best couple.

Gala organizer Bob Blake, director of development for The Salvation Army, hopes the gala will bring in more than 300 people. 

“We hope to build with this being our first event,” Blake said.

To get off on the right foot, fundraising event consultant David Mirisch of Missoula was hired. Mirisch brings with him decades of experience.

“I work with nonprofits like The Salvation Army. I’ve done more than 2,500 events throughout the United States, seven foreign countries, and I’ve helped nonprofits raise $35 million,” Mirisch said. “It’s very gratifying.”

Blake met Mirisch through the nonprofit Development Partnership, an organization that represents Flathead Valley nonprofits.

Blake said proceeds from the gala will help support and expand ministries and could lead to the re-opening of a free health clinic.

“All the money we raise is re-invested in the valley,” Blake said.

Svenson added, “If we can see a need we can meet we hope to do it.”

Svenson and his wife Maj. Merry Svenson, are in their 31st year as Salvation Army ministers.

“The mission of The Salvation Army is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ,” Svenson said. “The opportunity of helping people is a good thing, but to also impart spirituality with people as well. That’s what it’s really all about. You can feed somebody, but if you can help them in their life struggle to overcome, then you’ve really helped them.”

For more information call Blake at 257-4357, extension 236, or visit www.salvationarmyflathead.org. 

Reporter Hilary Matheson may be reached at 758-4431 or by email at [email protected].