The Southern California Division played host to more than 2,000 homeless individuals and families at their annual Thanksgiving Eve dinner celebration at the Hollywood Palladium. The event marked the ninth consecutive year the Division hosted the event.

The invited guests were greeted by the Salvation Army Band as they stepped off their chartered buses. They walked onto a red carpet, as local media camera crews captured their arrival. Once inside, some of the 400 Salvation Army and Disney VoluntEARS escorted them to their respective tables, which were garnished with fall décor.  A jazz trio added to the joyful atmosphere, providing swinging background music.

Lt. Colonel Paul Bollwahn then delivered the welcoming remarks and opening prayer. The Salvation Army band, led by Kevin Larson, once again performed a few well received numbers.  James Tormé and Doc Anello & his Swing Band performed next. Tormé performed “The Christmas Song” made famous by his late father Mel Tormé decades earlier.

Dick Cook, Chairman of The Walt Disney Studios took the stage to acknowledge the year round efforts of The Salvation Army. The event marked the fourth year Disney has partnered with the Salvation Army. The evening was capped off with appearances by Mickey and Minnie Mouse, as well as other Disney characters.

“This year’s event was our most successful to date,” said Steve Allen, Executive Director of Development, Southern California Division.

The event enjoyed coverage from a variety of Los Angeles area media outlets, including: KNBC-TV, KMEX-TV, KCBS-TV, KCAL-TV, KTLA-TV, KTTV-TV, KFWB-AM, CNN en Espanol, Getty Photos, Film Magic and Photomundo International.