Salvation Army Major Don Gilger shared stories Thursday night about people the Kroc Center has helped.

“I’m in a unique position to see everything that goes on there,” he said at the Kroc Center’s “Flannel Fest” Red Kettle Kick-off at the Hagadone Event Center.

He talked of Justin, who had cerebral palsy when he came there at the age of 8. He worked with a trainer, building strength and spirit. Staff prayed and celebrated with him.

Today, 10 years later, he’s living on his own and giving back to his community.

He talked of Esmerelda, who came from an abusive relationship. She received a membership, swam at the Kroc pool to build confidence and was connected to a physical therapist and English language tutor. Kroc provided a week of summer camp for her son.

Today, she has a better job, more confidence “and is learning about God’s unconditional love.”

And he spoke of Joannie, a high-energy, troubled youth. At the Kroc, she was introduced to water polo and loved it.

Gilger said she shined in the sport and may earn college scholarships.

No other place can offer such a level of compassion and support, day in and day out, Gilger said, and changes so many lives.

“That’s the power of a Kroc Center,” he added.

About 150 people attended the inaugural Red Kettle Gala that included dinner, auctions, a photo booth and hot cocoa bar.

Everyone wore flannel in honor of “Flannel Fest,” described as a time to “warm your heart for the season of giving.”

“I want to say, all you guys look excellent in your flannel tonight,” a smiling Gilger said. “How many of you guys are excited about the onesies that you saw? That was certainly something. Perfect for North Idaho.”

The live auction, with bidding both in-house and online for those watching from home, included the painted kettles of local artists Ronda Gilger, Christina Hull, Terry Lee, Tyree Riggs, Stephen Shortridge, Connie Spurgeon and Jeff Weir.

Auction proceeds will benefit the 2021 Red Kettle Campaign, with online giving underway. The red kettles will be out in the community in December.

Gilger said donations stay local and go to serve others in the community, not the Kroc Center. It helps people with food, housing, heat and scholarships.

“This helps keep our neighbors warm in so many important ways,” said Sandee Riggs, Kroc Center director of human resources.

Gilger was confident the night would go well, as would the Red Kettle Campaign this holiday season.

“This community always steps up,” he said “Tonight is an example of it. We say, ‘Hey, we’ve got to raise money,’ they always come through.”

In 2020, The Kroc Center invested more than $1 million in community outreach efforts including 1,000 nights of emergency shelter, 2,500 hours of free child care and 14,000 meals.

Days before the freezing temps last fall, Kroc purchased and assembled bunk beds for the St. Vincent de Paul warming center.

This past summer, 100 children were given a free week at Camp Kroc summer day camp.

The Kroc Center wants to continue that level of service, in partnership with schools, churches and community agencies.

“With exacerbated mental health issues and sparse affordable housing, we have challenged ourselves to not only meet immediate needs, but to offer the support needed for lifelong change,” said Kroc Center Director Kip Sharbono.

Before she began calling for bids, Auctioneer Rose Backs described the Kroc Center as a place of "warmth, love and unconditional acceptance."

“This community is special. The Kroc Center within it is special," she said.