VERO BEACH — The Salvation Army of Indian River County has announced that former LA Dodger Darryl Strawberry who now is the pastor of Strawberry Ministries will be the keynote speaker at the “Soap, Soup and Salvation” benefit dinner April 11, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. at The Oak Harbor Club House in Vero Beach.
Strawberry is described as a legend by many who have been dazzled by the dynamics of his game, the power he possessed at the plate, and the story of redemption that continues to bring hope to so many lives. He has earned the legendary nicknames and phrases of one of the most feared home-run hitters in the game of baseball, Strawberry’s Field Forever and The Legendary Straw Man!
Today, Strawberry’s purpose and passion is serving the Lord Jesus Christ by speaking a message of hope and helping others transform their lives through the power of the gospel.
“I was once very lost and tormented, but now I am found and free in Christ Jesus. I want everyone to experience the saving and transforming power of Jesus Christ,” Strawberry said.
He is the author of two books, “Finding My Way” and his most recent book written with his wife Tracy, “The Imperfect Marriage.
Strawberry said he has a heart for people, “especially those who are faced with conditions, situations or battles in their lives that often bring a deep sense of hopelessness to the soul, The Salvation Army brings hope to anyone without discrimination of their situations. As many people know, much of my life has been filled with the battles that have left me without hope. However, that is not the case today. Today I have hope! No matter what comes your way, or how many times you may fall, you do not quit! You never give up! You get up and you keep moving. If there is breath in your body, there is purpose and reason for your life.”
The event will begin at 5 p.m. with light hors d’oeuvres and cocktails from the cash bar, a silent auction, music by The Salvation Army Junior Band and a surf and turf dinner all followed by Darryl Strawberry sharing his inspirational journey and experiences with all his baseball successes along with his battles and failures off the baseball field and the strengths and the reasons why he is here today proven through the experiences and conditions he endured.
The spikes are in a box, the bat is retired but the true passion and purpose for his life is just beginning. That passion is being able to make a difference in the lives of others.
Strawberry will also discuss his passion for what The Salvation Army does in the community for the less fortunate through its social services department by providing food, clothing, utilities and rental assistance that help to prevent homelessness in Indian River County.
No tickets are sold for this event and RSVP’s are going fast. The Salvation Army will ask for a donation at the end of the event that will be matched by one anonymous donation of $10,000 which has been pledged to the dinner for matching up to that amount of donations received before, during and after the night of the dinner.
Table sponsorships are available @ $1000 for a table of 10 attendees which will include an 8×10 autographed photo of Darryl Strawberry for each member of the sponsored table.
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 30 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 in this community. About 84 cents of every dollar raised is used to carry out those services right here in Indian River County.
For more information about this event or to make a contribution to The Salvation Army of Indian River County benefit dinner send an email to John_Corapi@uss.salvationarmy.org or mail a matching contribution to The Salvation Army of IRC PO Box 2864 Vero Beach Fl 32961 or to RSVP call (772) 978-0265 x104.
