The Fond du Lac Kindness Campaign began as a Gift 

 The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac knows well how every kind act has the power to lift another up when it's needed most.  We turn our iconic Red Kettles a beautiful GOLD each December 1 to help FDL see themselves as we do - an community deeply committed to doing what's right, what's needed and what's best for each other.    It is always kindness that lights the way. The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac Kindness Campaign to began in 2024 to focus our community on the good growing in Fond du Lac.   It recognizes the people and places growing that good & celebrates them for the following year.

The campaign launched on World Kindness Day (November 13) an asked community to look for the most impactful examples of kindness the Christmas season generated. The community lifted up 25 powerful examples of kindness - some individually driven, others supported by a small army.   Local social for good influencer Kelly Northlee joined us to share those stories in a campaign that generated 350,000 views across social platforms.   

On the final day of World Kindness Month (February), Channel 11 covered the reception during which Keith Heisler, Vice President of Fond du Lac City Council named Fond du Lac's First Ambassadors of Kindness:

Trisha Klapperich,  Klapperich Realty: Community's Overwhelming Choice For Most Inspirational Kind Heart  

Sandy Ritchie, The Diner:   Full Menu of Kindness Served Daily, One Of A Kind Experience

Claudette Rahmer, CC's Chocolates, Treating Every Customer To Kindness 

Leadership Alumni & Envision Greater Fond du Lac: Empty Bowls

Nick Tiefke (McGrath):  Hope on The Block

Aaron Sadoff, Marian University: Inspiring Everyday with A+ Community Attitude

Autumn Kastein, Autumn's Closet & Lil Munchkins: Winter Give a Coat/Take a Coat Rack

Amy Ortega, Marine Credit Union:  Warm Up With Marine 

Kristin Zitlow, St. Mary's Springs Academy:  Development of Meaningful Student Engagement Opportunities 

Greg Giles, Fond du Lac Area Foundation:  Fondy 100 Gives 

Marilyn Drake: Crocheting for Community (at 90 years young!) 

Ali Faris- Helleberg, Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats: Christmas Cherry Kettle Corn 

Kaden Bebow:  Bebow Family Light Show

Randy Hopper, Mountain Dog Media:  Fond du Lac Christmas Parade of Lights & Bucket Brigade 

Terry Davis, Radio Plus:  Fond du Lac Gobblefest and Kettle Campaign Captain

Cindy Evanoff:  Birthday Cakes 4 Kids 

Sarah Sippel,  Stel+Shey's:   Extraordinary Service with a Smile

Cheryl Mohr: Exemplary Life of Giving Back

Steve Wirtz, Steve Wirtz Builders:  Building Better Tomorrow by Investing in Community's Kindness Culture

Jen and Greg Schmitz: Holyland Heat

The entire team at Odyssey Cinemas and Social:  Creating Environment Featuring Kindness On Screen, & Off

Kindergarten and first grade Girl Scout Troop at St. Mary's Springs Academy:   Fostering Kind Hearts In Young People

Tracy Mathweg, Lillian's: Living Intentionally, Keeping Kindness Always in Style

Alyssa Hallgren, FDL Cyclery: Shifting Community Into High Kindness Gear By Example

 THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS KINDNESS AWARD 

At the event, Trisha Klapperich was presented with The Spirit of Christmas Award.  Trisha received overwhelming support &  the most engagement from community during the social portion of the Kindness Campaign.  It was clear that she is seen as the most inspirational example of kindness in Fond du Lac by her peers.   Said one individual, " Trisha is truly a remarkable person.  Her dedication to serving community and spreading kindness is a testament to who she is.  The way she selflessly gives her time, energy and heart inspires everyone around her.  She has the incredible ability to make others feel valued, seen and cared for, and that is a rare gift.  Her goodness radiates in everything she does, and her compassion reminds us that there is so much light in this world...

"Christmas isn't a season, it's an attitude. It's not just a day, its the spirit of giving.  The time for joy, for doing kindnesses that lift hearts and lives."  

The Kindness Behind The Kindness Campaign

The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac Appreciates the Support for the Kindness Campaign Received from: Kelly Northlee & Fondy Famous, Ryan Gueller & Gueller's Photography, Odessey Theater;  Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes, Ellison Electric, Capelle Bros. & Diedrich Inc., Silica Plumbing & Heating, Inc., The Osborn Family...and our Kindness Coach