Q and A with Meg and Scott Crosby, Kroc Center Campaign Chairs

It was recently announced that Meg and Scott Crosby will chair the Kroc Center campaign. We met with them to discuss the Kroc Center.

What first got you interested in the Kroc Center?

We first learned of the Kroc gift through Scott's work on the Salvation Army Advisory Board. From the moment we learned that Memphis was a contender for one of the Centers, we were hopeful that the leadership of the Army and its donors would lead Memphis to be one of the few recipients of this generous gift.

Why did you agree to serve as campaign chairs?

The Kroc Center is a rare gift. The campaign is on solid footing, as more than 80 percent of the funds necessary have been raised. We have a unique opportunity to engage a diverse group of people from the neighborhoods surrounding the Kroc Center who will not only assist in the fundraising but who also will benefit from the Center's many programs.

Given the current economic climate, why have fundraising efforts for the Kroc Center been so successful?

Once we raise this final $4 million, $60 million of Kroc funds will be given to build and run a state-of-the-art education, recreation, worship and performing arts center. We believe that donors cannot ask for a better return on their investment than this 1,500 percent return—much better than what the market is producing these days!

Which aspects of the Kroc Center appeal to you most?

The location of the Kroc Center perfectly suits its mission to serve as a link between all social, racial and economic groups. The facilities themselves will assist in bringing people together, because the programs offered will have broad appeal. The center will offer a first-class workout facility, a performing arts center, gym, indoor and outdoor pools, after-school programs—the list goes on and on.

When talking to people interested in the Kroc Center campaign, what do you tell them?

This is a great opportunity to help get an enormous grant. The Kroc grant’s structure means that the building will be fully endowed, thus we will never have to raise funds for this facility again! And because the Salvation Army is behind this project, you can be sure that its mission is pure and its stewardship of the funds and the facility will be second to none. But, we cannot do this alone. We are actively engaged in building a committee of volunteers who can help us raise this last $4 million. If you are interested in helping, please contact us at meg.thomas@gmail.com. For more information about the Kroc Center of Memphis please visit www.krocmemphis.org

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