In 2005, The Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command began working with local government officials to ensure that The Kroc Center complemented the goals the city held for the community. To raise additional funds for this huge project, the late Joshua P. Darden and honorary campaign chair Frank Batten, Jr., spearheaded a fundraising campaign the gifts and tenacity of which allowed the Salvation Army to garner enough support to begin construction on the project. The Kroc Center broke ground in July 2012 after raising $25 million locally, in addition to the $80 million grant from Mrs. Joan Kroc’s bequest. On April 28, 2014, the doors were opened to the general public. The Kroc Center of Hampton Roads is a fulfillment of Mrs. Kroc’s vision and provides an unprecedented opportunity for the community to do the most good.