Doing the Most Good Awards & Civic Dinner 2023

May 3, 2023

The Salvation Army Midland Division thanks all those who attended, supported, and volunteered at the 2023 Doing the Most Good Awards and Civic Dinner.

The annual event was held this year on April 27, at the Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. The Doing the Most Good Awards is a celebration of individuals and organizations who dedicate themselves to helping others in the community.

We were blessed this year to be joined by the national leadership of The Salvation Army who had traveled from across the country to join us in St. Louis. We were thrilled to celebrate community, kindness, and all those who support the mission of The Salvation Army.

Yolonda Lankford

Denise Thimes

Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder

Mistress of Ceremonies, Yolonda Lankford, welcomed guests with an inspirational message: "As Evangeline Booth, International General of The Salvation Army once said, "There is no reward equal to that of doing the most good for the most people in the most need."

World-renowned jazz singer, Denise Thimes, provided an unforgettable live performance of contemporary jazz that set the tone for the evening, full of positivity and uplifting notes.

We enjoyed inspirational speeches by the National Commander of The Salvation Army, Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, and Commissioner Brad Bailey, Territorial Commander of Central Territory. Mike Cassling, Chair of The Salvation Army’s National Advisory Board executive committee shared remarks on behalf of the National Advisory Board.

"We thank everyone in our community who is committed to helping others and supporting The Salvation Army as we support those who need our help. It's thanks to the kindness of our community that we can in turn serve the needs of our community and each act of kindness makes a difference. We are grateful to everyone here tonight for their acts of service. We are here for our community every day, and it's our privilege to serve," said Lt. Colonel Robert Webster.

"At The Salvation Army, We believe everyone deserves help, so we dedicate ourselves to supporting, caring, and being there for those who need our assistance. We do this because we love. We do this because we are grateful. We do this because we can, and because we must," said Major Kjell Steinsland.

The Doing the Most Good Awards are presented to incredible individuals and organizations that exemplify the spirit of Doing the Most Good in our community. The recipients are recognized for their selfless dedication to serving others, whether it be through volunteer work, fundraising, or advocacy.

The recipients of the 2023 Doing the Most Good Awards

The Volunteer Service Award was presented to Adam Menne, a long-term volunteer with The Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services and Midland Division Advisory Board Member.

Adam's career in emergency response and business management has earned him recognition and accolades, including the Red Shield Responder award for his outstanding work during the COVID-19 pandemic and at least a dozen tornados. He currently works as a Senior Director of Technical Solutions at UKG, where he brings his expertise and experience to help navigate complex challenges.

The Individual Support Award was awarded to Midge Krueger on behalf of her decades of service and support with her late husband, Ron.

The award is presented in recognition of their incredible commitment through innovative campaigns, and fundraising on behalf of The Salvation Army. Over three decades they delivered the Cans Film Festival at Wehrenberg Theaters across Missouri raising donations of food and money across the state. We are incredibly grateful to Midge Krueger for her dedication to improving the lives of others in our community.

The Program Impact Award was presented to Gary Busiek.
Gary is Executive Divisional Social Services Director for The Salvation Army Midland Division and has been with the organization since 1981. Through a span of more than 40 years with The Salvation Army, Gary has provided exemplary service through his dedication and passion for social work and the people living in our local communities. Gary has been responsible for crafting innovative social work programs and projects that have transformed the lives of thousands of clients. Gary was the Central Territory recipient of The Salvation Army National Award for Excellence in Social Work in 2001. In 2020 Gary received the Missouri Association for Social Welfare Community Services Award.

The Community Partner Award was presented to United Way of Greater St. Louis, with President and CEO of United Way, Michelle D. Tucker, accepting the award. As leaders in the community, United Way of Greater St. Louis supports over 160 non-profits in Missouri and Illinois, empowering others to Do the Most Good. The organization is dedicated to creating a stronger, healthier, and more equitable region. United Way of Greater St. Louis began in 1922 and has been a champion of the community ever since. We applaud them for their service and crucial role in making a difference in the lives of those in need.