Every year around Christmas time for the last 6 years, The Trapasso Family holds the Red Kettle Gala to raise funds for the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army. This year, we raised a record breaking $84,300 in just one night! This is an amazing cause that we love to get behind every year and make it the best that it can be. Read on to see what the Salvation Army had to say about the night in a press release…
‘ (EAST STROUDSBURG, PA – DECEMBER 2019) – The 6th Annual Salvation Army East Stroudsburg Red Kettle Gala, held on December 6, 2019 and hosted by the Trapasso family at Desaki Restaurant in honor of Advisory Board member and philanthropist Samuel W. Newman, raised over $80,430 in Newman’s memory. Major Gilbert Parkhurst, commanding officer of the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army said, “Through the generosity of Vincent and Charlie Trapasso, their family and staff, the Salvation Army staff and Red Kettle Gala Committee, donors, food purveyors, and philanthropic attendees, the event in Sam’s memory raised an unprecedented $80,430 which will go to feeding and sheltering those in need in Monroe County, PA. We cannot thank all those involved enough for their hard work in making the event one of the largest fundraisers in the history of our Corps.”
Aware of the great needs of the Monroe County Salvation Army, six years ago local business owners Vincent and Charlie Trapasso offered to help by donating their Desaki Restaurant for the Red Kettle Gala. Parkhurst continues, “The Trapasso Family’s contributions over the years have reached almost a quarter of a million dollars. Their generosity of hosting the event at no expense to the Salvation Army makes a significant difference to the lives of many. This year, we were faced with the unexpected passing of long time Salvation Army supporter and Advisory Board Member Samuel W. Newman. In his honor and memory, the Trapasso Family asked that we recognize Sam at the 6th Red Kettle Gala for his life-long contributions to both The Salvation Army and our Community.”
Newman founded the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army Hometown Endowment Fund. Through his efforts, interest from the Fund now helps support the Corps Christmas efforts, Emergency Shelter, and Emergency Feeding Programs. “Thanks to the Communities desire to support and honor the memory of Sam and the Trapasso’s donation, this event was a great success,” Parkhurst said.
East Stroudsburg Salvation Army’s local programs such as food baskets, hot meals, nights of shelter, rental assistance, clothing, Christmas toys for children, nursing home visitation, and disaster service response rely directly on community support and giving. Parkhurst concludes, “Events such as this show how fortunate we are to live in a Community that is so willing to give. We could not provide for all those in need without that support and during this Christmas season, we offer our deep gratitude and thanks to all who volunteer and donate to the East Stroudsburg Salvation Army.” ‘
