PEORIA – A special message from Don Fites and entertainment from CrossroadsUnitedMethodistChurch will be the highlights of The Salvation Army’s Annual Community Luncheon to be held Wednesday at the Pere Marquette in downtown Peoria.

About 325 people are expected to attend the event, which recognizes community leaders and celebrates the work and mission of The Salvation Army in the PeoriaTriCounty area.

The Peoria Tri County Salvation Army will honor several individuals and companies during the event:

Jim Baumgartner – Certificate in Recognition of Exceptional Service

Chuck Staley- William Booth Award

Patti Mueller- Award of Excellence

Brooke Rennick- Young Leaders Award

Stan Coehn & Nikki Hudson- Others Award

Crossroads United Methodist Church- Spirit of the Army Award

Awards will also be given to the Tri-county Volunteer of the Year- Sharon Craig, and the Volunteer Service Award to Alfred Hetzel.  Special guests include Caterpillar CEO and Chairman Doug Oberhelman and his wife Diane, along with Washington Mayor Gary Manier. Musical entertainment will be provided by a duo from CrossroadsUnitedMethodistChurch in Washington. The luncheon is sponsored by Grizzard, CEFCU, Jill & Charles Drier, Illinois Mutual and The Salvation Army Family Stores.