The Salvation Army of the Midlands in Columbia, South Carolina, hosted the annual banquet of the North-South Carolina Division's Advisory Organization School of Excellence. Major Roger Coulson, Midlands regional coordinator, and Ron Roe, advisory board chairman, participated in the ceremonies. Several advisory board members sponsored the dinner. This year’s AOSE brought together more than 220 business leaders, Salvation Army advisory board members and staff in Columbia.

The event started with a welcome reception and dinner program that included encouraging remarks from South Carolina Lieutenant Governor Kevin Bryant. The dinner was made possible by JTs Automotive Group, Baker & Baker, Mungo Homes, United Way of the Midlands, Comfort Services, Pollock Company, C&E Landscaping LLC, BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina, Charlotte and Joe Berry, Ron and Maryann Roe, Tommy Crutchfield, Mark Ackerman and C. Whitaker Moore.

During the evening, special guests were honored with awards. Faithful supporters J.T. and Mary Gandolfo received the William Booth Award for their outstanding support of The Salvation Army of the Midlands.  Mac Bennett, president and CEO of United Way of the Midlands, received the Others Award for his contributions to The Salvation Army and the community.   SCANA Corporation was also recognized for their generous financial contribution made to The Salvation Army in October 2016.