The Salvation Army Honors Senator Charles Grassley and Senator Dianne Feinstein with Evangeline Booth Award
The award is the highest honor given by the organization for a life-long commitment to public service
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia (Dec. 8, 2022) — Senator Charles Grassley of Iowa and Senator Dianne Feinstein of California were recently named the two latest recipients of The Evangeline Booth Award. The award is the highest honor bestowed on organizations and individuals by The Salvation Army in recognition of a life-long commitment to public service.
Evangeline Booth, the daughter of William and Catherine Booth, co-founders of The Salvation Army, was appointed as the National Commander for The Salvation Army in the United States in 1904 at the age of thirty-eight. She served in this capacity for 30 years, when she was elected to become the third international leader of The Salvation Army in 1934. Her steadfast determination and unwavering dedication significantly expanded Salvation Army ministry throughout the United States. In 1999, the National Commander established the Evangeline Booth Award to honor individuals, corporations and organizations reflecting the spirit, commitment and innovative vision of Evangeline Booth.
Previous recipients of the Evangeline Booth Award include: President George W. Bush & Former First Lady Laura Bush, Jerry Jones and Charlotte Jones, Reba McEntire, Joan Kroc, and Dr. Billy Graham, among others.
“Senator Grassley and Senator Feinstein have been stalwart supporters of The Salvation Army’s cause and stewards of the ideal of service held so highly by the award’s namesake,” said Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, National Commander of The Salvation Army. “After a lifetime of service to our country, both senators have experienced firsthand what it means to be a servant leader – one who tirelessly fights to build a better life for all in their care.”
Senator Charles “Chuck” Grassley has served in public office since 1958, most recently in his role as Senator from Iowa since 1981. Through his tireless efforts in Washington D.C. and at home, he has developed a reputation for working to ensure the government serves the people who depend on it most – making him one of the most effective policymakers to ever step foot on the Hill.
“I am honored and accept this award with great pleasure,” said Senator Grassley. “The Salvation Army’s work to serve those in need is both admirable and humbling. This moment serves as a reminder that it’s a privilege to serve the people of Iowa, and that it’s a responsibility of us in public office to think of ourselves as servant leaders.”
Senator Dianne Feinstein is the longest-serving female senator ever. Since her election to the Senate in 1992, Senator Feinstein has built a significant record of legislative achievements across a wide range of issues. Since her first term as Mayor of San Francisco, Senator Feinstein has been aligned with The Salvation Army’s commitment to serve all without discrimination and make tomorrow a brighter day for her constituents.
“I’ve seen firsthand the tremendous work of The Salvation Army in California – from supporting people experiencing homelessness to helping victims of wildfire recover,” said Senator Feinstein. “The Salvation Army doesn’t seek recognition or brag about its work, it just does it. It’s an honor to receive the Evangeline Booth Award and I look forward to continuing to support this outstanding organization and its mission of public service.”
"The Salvation Army relies on individuals and organizations across the country who prioritize the needs of others above themselves," said Commissioner Hodder. "Senator Feinstein and Senator Grassley have done that for decades, and I am honored to call them my friends in this great work of serving suffering humanity."
To learn more about The Salvation Army and how they help the most vulnerable in local communities across the country, visit: SalvationArmyUSA.org.
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About The Salvation Army
The mission of The Salvation Army is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. The Salvation Army annually serves more than 25 million people in America, helping them overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,200 centers of operation around the country. In 2021, The Salvation Army was ranked No. 2 on the list of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.