Scheduled to open in May 2012, The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center at Phoenix South Mountain will expand on the community center's already successful programs promoting organized arts, education, recreation, spiritual guidance and wellness activities in the south Phoenix neighborhoods. The new 147,000 square foot facility will include three sports fields, full-size football/soccer field, three NBA-size basketball courts, two practice boxing rings, nine volleyball courts, indoor swimming pool, library, computer labs, ASU led after school tutoring, performing arts center, café, banquet facilities, indoor track, chapel and more.

Construction and capital improvements of the new facility are made possible by an estate gift of $1.8 Billion made by Joan Kroc, the widow of Ray Kroc, founder of the McDonald's corporation. The gift was the largest estate gift made by an individual in the history of charitable giving. Operating costs for the new Community Center will be funded by membership dues and donations.

To help families who cannot afford membership dues, members of the Community Center's Advisory Board are raising funds to start a scholarship program. To jump-start the campaign, the board is hosting an inaugural 100-hole golf marathon, The Classic 100. All proceeds go toward funding the The Salvation Army Kroc Center Scholarship Program.

Members of the Community Center Advisor Board have organized three teams of seven participants. Each participant is committed to finding sponsors to match their own pledge of $1 per hole. The goal is to raise $100,000 for the scholarship program.

Individuals and organizations who are interested learning more about the event or wish to be a sponsor for The Classic 100 are encouraged to contact Kevin Helland, a member of the Community Center Advisor Board, at 623-293-1543 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

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What is The Classic 100?
The Classic 100 is a 100-hole golf marathon fundraiser. 100% of the donation and pledges raised by the event go to The Salvation Army Kroc Center Scholarship Program - a devoted fund set up to help families in need of assistance pay dues at The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center at Phoenix South Mountain.

How does it work?
Organized by members of the Community Center Advisory Board, three teams of seven participants hit the links on a reserved golf course. Each participant pledges $1 per hole plus seeks matching sponsorships before the event. Participants set out to shoot a year's worth of golf in the course of one day. Several adjustments are made in the game to speed up play. There is a rumor that the record for a single golf marathon is an amazing 409 holes in one day.

Are sponsorships and contributions tax deductible?
Yes! The Salvation Army is a not-for-profit, charitable organization.

How do I sponsor?
Easy. Please contact Kevin Helland, member of the Community Center Advisory Board, at 623-293-1543 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . He will be able to answer questions and provide details.

When is the event?
Saturday, December 3, 2011. The date is coming up fast and sponsors are needed soon. Please don't wait to commit.

Shouldn't $1.8 Billion cover construction and operations? Why the need for a scholarship?
No. The $1.8 Billion contribution made by Joan Kroc was done so on the national level. The money is being used to build several other similar centers across the nation. While construction of the Community Centers is largely covered, funds to cover operating expenses for the 147,000 square foot facility and sport fields will depend entirely on membership dues paid by the families using the center and donations. The Community Center is located in an region recognized as having one of the lowest income demographics of the Phoenix Metropolitan area. The Salvation Army Kroc Center Scholarship Program will be used to help pay membership dues for families that demonstrate financial need.