South Bend Kroc Center marks 10 years

by Ken Lavery

Pictured (l to r): Kroc mascot RJ, A/Captains John and Tracy Gantner, Wyn Laidig, Avi Worley (front) and Carol Laidig

The atmosphere was one of excitement and friendship as the community, staff and supporters gathered in celebrating 10 years since the opening of the South Bend, Ind., Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center. But perhaps, even more, was the anticipation of what the future brings.

On a cold Midwest morning, nearly 70 people joined the ceremonial ribbon cutting inside the Kroc Center. Among those in attendance were Jeff Rea, president of St. Joseph County Chamber of Commerce, South Bend Mayor James Mueller, Jackie Rucker, our first Kroc Center member, and Kroc Center Advisory Board member. Mayor Mueller, Brandon Roach, Kroc Center Advisory Board chair, and Senior Kroc Center Officer A/Captain John Gantner, offered words of inspiration.

“We want to recognize what people believed in 10 years ago. Recognize the thousands and tens of thousands of people who have come through this center either as members, volunteers and community leaders,” said A/Captain John who leads the Kroc Center with his wife, A/Captain Tracy. “But what we truly want to do is engage in the future. We want to look forward. The Kroc at 10 years is still in its infancy, and we have big things planned.”

“We view the Kroc Center’s myriad programs and opportunities in a holistic light,” explained A/Captain Tracy. “We’re not a Kroc center and a church—it’s one Kroc. And we look forward to infusing the mission of The Salvation Army throughout the center and identifying and developing unique programs that will serve this community.”

A/Captain John added, “We want to be a game-changer in this community. We’ve come this far, we’ve done amazing things, but we’re not going to rest on that. What can we do in the future?”

Opened in January 2012, the Kroc center continues to be a life-changing resource for many people in the St. Joseph County community—a beacon of light to all, without discrimination, as Joan Kroc envisioned.

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