Despite Last Minute Push, 2018 La Crosse Red Kettle Campaign Falls Short
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Kelley Manson
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Despite last minute push, 2018 Red Kettle Campaign falls short
LA CROSSE – The Red Kettle Campaign officially ended on January 31st and fell thousands short of its $949,500 goal.
The 2017-18 Red Kettle Campaign raised a total of $799,828.90, reaching 84% of the Campaign’s goal. Last year’s Campaign raised a total of $925,785 – the highest total in Salvation Army of La Crosse history.
“We fell short, yes – but that’s not to say there wasn’t a phenomenal amount of support,” said Major Jeff Richardson. “We raised a quarter of a million dollars in two months ringing bells. We raised more than $200,000 in the month of January without the support of red kettles. More than 9,000 hours of time was donated by volunteers looking to make a difference in their communities. We are absolutely blessed.”
The Campaign is The Salvation Army’s biggest fundraiser throughout the year and accounts for one-third of the corps’ annual budget – funding everything from the emergency shelter to seasonal programs such as ‘Feed the Kids’ and the ‘Angel Giving Tree’. The Campaign’s goal is set months before the November start-date and is based on The Salvation Army of La Crosse’s previous year income and expenses. The goal is comprised of all dollars raised from November 2017 through January 2018, including both kettle and non-kettle donations.
Even with a shortfall of more than $149,000, Major Richardson believes the corps’ will still be able to continue providing services without the worry of cuts.
“We saw substantial support outside of the Campaign in 2017. We also have some new, exciting ventures planned for 2018 to help raise dollars,” said Major Richardson. “Ultimately, we know that God will continue to allow us to meet the needs of those that are hurting in this community.”
The Red Kettle Campaign began on November 11th, 2017 with UW-L students and faculty ringing bells throughout La Crosse County. The following months included a surprise ‘match day’ at Valley View Mall where more than $26,000 was raised, a collective ‘match day’ that raised more than $60,000 total, as well as local banks and credit unions pledging support to raise more than $14,000 in a single day from public donations.
Although the Red Kettle Campaign has ended, there are still opportunities to help The Salvation Army of La Crosse. To learn about ways you can help, visit www.SalvationArmyLaCrosse.org.
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