The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County Hosts Fundraiser Luncheon

Executive producers of the hit TV series “The Chosen” discuss the inspiration behind retelling the life of Jesus Christ.

Everyone knows that the Salvation Army is one of the largest non-profits in the world, with its main mission to offer life-sustaining services to families who need an extra hand. Among its charitable services are arranging emergency housing, rent and utility assistance; providing groceries; and disaster response.

But the giving comes at a price. That’s why its various divisions hold fundraising events. 

Last month, the Salvation Army of Gwinnett County hosted its 9th Annual Doing the Most Good Luncheon at the newly renovated Crowne Plaza Atlanta in Norcross. This year marks 158 years that the Salvation Army has been serving the needs of humanity, and 36 years in Gwinnett County.

As its major fundraiser, the luncheon supports year-round services such as housing, utilities, groceries and emergency disaster services to local families in Gwinnett County. In addition, local youth are served all year long through a free year-round School for Performing Arts, a summer camp and by providing school supplies to those who need them.

“The Doing the Most Good Luncheon is our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said Captain Paul Ryerson, corps officer of The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County. “The funds raised through this event each year allow us to serve as a resource for the community and bring hope to our neighbors in need.”

In 2022, The Salvation Army of Gwinnett County provided 60,843 pounds of food to 1,018 households and 2,717 nights of shelter; 267 households received rent / mortgage and utility assistance. Additionally, 566 families and 1,464 children received gifts at Christmas through the Angel Tree program, according to data shared during the luncheon.

“The Chosen” connection to Salvation Army

The afternoon included a discussion about the TV series “The Chosen” with Chad Gundersen and Chris Juen, the show’s executive producers, as well a live and silent auction and a seated lunch. One of the top items in the live auction was an opportunity to visit the show’s location, a Salvation Army camp in Texas that turned out to the be the perfect spot for filming.

“The Chosen” is the first-ever multi-season series about the life of Jesus Christ. The creators shared that it would have a total of seven seasons, with the fourth season beginning production in the spring. The free show is streaming on Angel Studios’ platforms with tens of millions of viewers.

Season 1 was the No. 1 highest crowd-funded entertainment project of all-time, raising $10 million from over 19,000 people. It raised over $40 million in production costs for Seasons 2 and 3 via the fan-supported model.

To date, “The Chosen” has been translated into 50 languages and offers viewers a new perspective of the life of Jesus. The story it tells dovetails perfectly with the mission and message of the Salvation Army.

“I have the privilege of putting this uniform on every single day, overseeing the operations of the local response here in our beautiful county. Our mission is simple — to be the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs, in His name without discrimination,” said Ryerson. 

He thanked the attendees and contributors for believing in the Salvation Army’s mission, and thanked the staff and volunteers for keeping it alive.

“Reaching these milestones doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when an organization stays focused on its purpose and that happens when a community captures the vision and pours themselves into the cause,” said Ryerson.

“We are in the business of giving,” he added. “The hope that we offer is not only for the physical needs of the body, but it’s also for the needs of the soul.”