Kettle Kickoff Celebration
The Salvation Army of Bloomington is heading into the fall holiday season with lots of cheer and high hopes. The 18th Annual Kettle Kickoff Celebration on November 12 at the Monroe Convention Center is a popular event for community leaders and ushers in The Salvation Army's biggest fundraiser of the year.
Tickets are still available for the celebration and can be purchased online here. The public can also support attendees by giving to the fundraising teams created to help The Salvation Army reach its goal of raising $50,000 through the event. Terry Clapacs, Vice President Emeritus of Indiana University, is the honorary chair of the Kettle Kickoff Celebration, which is receiving support from many local organizations and individuals. These supporters include Bender Lumber, Bunger & Robertson Law, Cook Medical, Comprehensive Financial Consultants, Faith Lutheran, First Insurance Group, Innovative Financial Solutions, IU Credit Union, IU Health, Paganelli Law Group, Bob Ralston, and Smithville Communications.
Starting this week, the iconic Red Kettles will begin appearing at retail locations across Monroe County, all manned by bell ringers who give their time in hope of encouraging others to give. Funds raised during the annual Red Kettle Campaign make year-round ministries possible, including the food and hygiene pantry, emergency financial assistance, youth and senior programs, and services that help to combat homelessness.
"The Red Kettle Campaign is our major fundraiser of the year," said Captain Vinal Lee, pastor and corps administrator for The Salvation Army. "We depend upon the community to support our needs financially as we seek to support the emotional, spiritual, and physical needs of those who depend upon the ministry of The Salvation Army in Bloomington. The Christmas campaign affords us the opportunity to meet the diverse needs of our community all year long."
Volunteer bell ringers are needed to sign up for more than 1,200 2-hour shifts that still need to be filled between November 4 and December 24. Individuals, groups, and families are encouraged to visit RegisterToRing.com to sign up for the date, time, and location of their choosing. Red Kettles will be placed at a number of locations this year, including Walmart, Kroger, Hobby Lobby, Sam's Club, and the Ellettsville IGA. Shoppers should also keep an eye out for smaller counter kettles near registers at retailers around the county.
Back again this year is the popular Virtual Red Kettle, an online fundraising campaign that encourages the community to participate virtually. Anyone can sign up as a Virtual Bell Ringer or create a Team with its very own fundraising goal. This engaging peer-to-peer campaign makes fundraising for The Salvation Army easy to do from the comfort of home and helps to connect with those who may never walk by a traditional Red Kettle this holiday season. Supporters can join the campaign, give to a friend's virtual kettle, or just follow along at salarmy.us/bloomingtonvrk2024.