Red Kettle Campaign Surpasses Goal
January 31, 2019
Contact:
Nick Ragner
The Salvation Army of La Crosse County
[email protected]
Red Kettle Campaign Surpasses Goal
LA CROSSE – The Salvation Army is closing its largest annual fundraising effort ahead of its goal.
The Red Kettle Campaign, which accounts for approximately one-third of The Salvation Army of La Crosse’s annual budget, comes to a close on January 31st ahead of its $850,000 goal. Dollars that are raised during the drive fund every day programs such as the Emergency Shelter and Meal programs while also covering the costs of seasonal programs such as Feed the Kids and the Angel Giving Tree.
“We are absolutely blessed to be part of this kind and generous community,” said Major Jeff Richardson of The Salvation Army. “From the donors to the volunteers to the community advocates, we could not continue serving those that are facing their toughest challenges if it were not for you. Thank you for your support.”
Red Kettle Campaign contributions are comprised of donations made through The Salvation Army offices, donations made through mailings, and donations made to red kettles during bell ringing. Along with surpassing the Campaign’s goal, this year’s bell ringing total also raised $36,000 more than last year’s total with more than 2,600 volunteers taking part in the effort.
“Bell ringer turnout was huge for the Campaign this year,” said Alex Riley, Volunteer Coordinator at The Salvation Army. “We always tell volunteers that ‘just two hours of time can make a difference’. We had more than 8,000 logged hours of bell ringing this year. It’s incredible. There’s no doubt that our great bell ringers played a role in finishing the way we did.”
Along with volunteer turnout, the Campaign also included successful matching events by Brenengen Auto Group, Kwik Trip, Mayo Clinic Health System, and a collection of organizations during the drive’s Community Match Day including Inland, Wieser Brothers Construction, and the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.
“This community stepped up in a big way,” said Nick Ragner, Director of Development at The Salvation Army. “Individuals and organizations were reaching out to us wanting to know how they could help. Businesses supported major programs through sponsorships, people held fundraising drives at work, and children donated their allowances. It all made an impact. We are truly grateful to call this place home.”
The Salvation Army will hold a Red Kettle Campaign wrap luncheon on Wednesday, February 27th for those that donated time or dollars during the drive. The event will be free for attendees.
For more information on The Salvation Army of La Crosse County, visit www.SAlacrosse.org.
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