21-02-2025
Former Tennessee Titan speaks at Johnson City Salvation Army's SOUPer Bowl
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — Former Tennessee Titan and Super Bowl contender Kevin Dyson spoke at one of the Salvation Army Johnson City Corps's biggest fundraisers of the year Friday.
The SOUPer Bowl invites guests to hear from a football legend while supporting the Salvation Army and learning about how the organization benefits the community. The event was emceed by News Channel 11's Kasey Marler.
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Dyson is a former wide receiver for the Titans who caught the last pass in Super Bowl XXIV. He now serves as principal of Centennial High School in Franklin, Tennessee and has written a book, 'Qualified, So I Am Justified.'
Dyson said on Friday that he thinks most people do not realize all that the Salvation Army actually does to help others and typically just attach the image of Santa Claus ringing a bell and asking for donations.
'It's been a blessing to actually be a part of it and learn a little bit more about where the funds go to, how it benefits communities, and the staying power,' Dyson said. 'The length of time that an organization like the Salvation Army has been benefiting communities not just here at Johnson City, but just around the country.'
Dyson signed footballs and copies of his book at the SOUPer Bowl.
East Tennessee State University head football coach Will Healy also spoke at the event Friday.
SOUPer Bowl guests learned that in 2024, the Salvation Army Johnson City Corps served more than 17,000 meals. As of Friday, 48 people were actively staying at the Center of Hope and working to improve their lives.
'Our team is meeting with them every day, doing a team coaching session and looking at what's going to happen for the day and how we're going to make progress,' Salvation Army Corps Officer Major Maureen Diffley said. 'It doesn't matter how you got to our doors, but we're glad that you've come. We want you to feel like we care about what's going to happen in your future.'
The fundraiser helps cover the cost of providing meals and shelter. The costs of providing meals and shelter are significant; the Salvation Army spent more than $4,000 on laundry services alone during its latest White Flag season.
'It is very expensive to do what we do,' Diffley said. 'It costs $80 a day to take care of a guest in our shelter with all the services we provide, as well as we do food boxes, rental assistance, and utilities support for people in the community. So this support goes a long way to ensure that we're able to be a community player and support our neighbors in need.'
The Salvation Army is open 24/7, 365 days a year, and operates during all weather events.
'It doesn't matter what is happening if there's snow or a hurricane or what have you,' Diffley said. 'We are still operating, and this has been a cold winter. This January, we were open 27 nights out of 31 for a white flag. And we have 454 nights of stay just in January.'
Diffley said the Salvation Army will continue to offer shelter from the cold and elements.
'We don't know when we won't have White Flag because that cold weather is coming, but our doors will be open for everyone to have a safe, warm place to spend the night. There is no reason for anyone to freeze or be outside in the city because our doors are open ready to welcome you in.'
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