When he first encountered The Salvation Army, David Frauenshuh recognized that its strong commitment to helping people in crisis is rooted in its Christian foundation. That's why he decided to get involved himself.
Frauenshuh, a Christian businessman who heads Frauenshuh Companies, a leading commercial real estate firm based in Bloomington, Minn., chaired the Army's Twin Cities Christmas Campaign in 2003 and 2004. In that capacity, he saw firsthand how the Army serves the people of the Twin Cities metro area.
"I've worked hard and held myself to high standards," Frauenshuh says. "And I've been blessed with business success. But it takes rare [people] to do what The Salvation Army does every day."
Frauenshuh, a Christian himself, knows the value of keeping God in all aspects of his life. His friends and family describe him as a loving, humble man who would give someone the coat off his back.
For Frauenshuh, that's more than just an expression.
One late November day, when the infamous Minnesota winter chill had set in, a man came to his office seeking financial help. After talking to him for a while, Frauenshuh offered him help and, seeing that the man was wearing only light clothing, gave him his own brand–new winter coat, a birthday gift. The man walked out the door with not just a new coat but also new-found hope.
Because of Frauenshuh's passion for giving, he was chosen to receive The Salvation Army Northern Division's Others Award last year. That award honors individuals or organizations that exemplify an extraordinary spirit of service to others.
Frauenshuh even inspires his own family.
"One of the greatest ways David has shown love and taught me love is by giving to others," says Sandy, his wife.
Of his involvement with The Salvation Army, Frauenshuh says he feels he has become part of a group of caring, loving people who are his dearest friends.
The Army has also benefited from Frauenshuh's connections, which have helped build partnerships with other Twin Cities businesses and organizations. Frauenshuh has been able to show other businesses how helping an organization like The Salvation Army is good for business, for the community, and for the soul.
"We, as business leaders in the Twin Cities, hold resources of time, goods, talent, and funds that can be multiplied when they are shared with effective nonprofits like The Salvation Army," he says. "Just consider the change we could effect ... by working together."
Frauenshuh is committed to the Army's national slogan, "Doing the Most Good." In addition to helping with the Christmas campaign, Frauenshuh is a member of the (Ray and Joan) Kroc Gift Steering Committee; recently, he became a member of the Salvation Army's National Advisory Board.
"As Paul Harvey once wrote about Salvation Army officers," says Frauenshuh, " 'They walk where you and I would not care to, through byways that you and I would not dare to...' Simply put, I'm awed and humbled by the chance to support [the Army's] work to make our community a better place for all of us."
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