NORFOLK, Va. — For the past three decades, Norfolk architect Todd Savage has dedicated his time, expertise and resources to the Salvation Army, serving both as a fundraising leader and "boots-on-the-ground" volunteer. He currently chairs the organization's advisory board.
Savage was recently surprised at the Salvation Army headquarters on Raby Road in Norfolk, where he thought he was attending a routine business meeting. Instead, an army of well-wishers lined up to surprise our unsuspecting hero.
News 3's Beverly Kidd presented Savage with the Everyday Hero award.
“This is a surprise," Savage said. “I thought I was coming here for a business meeting."
Jimmy Sisson with the Salvation Army praised Savage's consistent dedication to the organization.
“He’s always around to volunteer. Christmas time is a big opportunity, and along with his wife, family, friends and business associates, he’s always recruiting other people to lend a hand," Sisson said.
Savage's connection to the Salvation Army began in childhood and grew into a lifelong commitment to service.
“The Salvation Army has always been near and dear to my heart," Savage said. “As a kid, I always saw the bell ringers, and as a young person coming out of school, I was looking for an opportunity to give back. The Salvation Army was a natural fit.”
A natural fit for sure — especially when the Salvation Army decided to build a new community center. His professional skills as an architect came in handy.
“He was very involved in the design, construction and oversight of the Kroc Center. We’ve made a lot of modifications here to improve our customer service for the community, and Todd’s been very involved with every bit of that," Sisson said.
As part of the recognition, Beverly presented Savage with a $300 gift card from Southern Bank to acknowledge his years of service to the Hampton Roads community.
Dedication, commitment and a love for his community make Todd Savage our Everyday Hero. And he is positively Hampton Roads.
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