World’s Tallest Red Kettle is the Sign and Symbol to Rescue Christmas For Millions of Metro Detroiters in 2020
Media Contacts:
Jeff Sell Sharon Tatom Garcia
Franco The Salvation Army
Mobile: (586) 536-0201 Mobile: (248) 331-5561
sell@franco.com Sharon.TatomGarcia@usc.salvationarmy.org
WHAT:
The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit’s giant red kettle is back to bring happiness and hope to metro Detroiters in 2020 – as 26,000 LED lights are set to dazzle the streets of downtown Detroit for more than a month this Christmas season.
Installing the world’s tallest red kettle normally marks the “unofficial” start of The Salvation Army’s annual Red Kettle Campaign, but due to the ongoing effects and uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit launched its $8 million fundraiser in September to get ahead on raising the vital funds it takes to serve the area’s most vulnerable citizens. Money raised during the Red Kettle Campaign will fund The Salvation Army’s year-round efforts to provide more than just feeding and sheltering through critical social services and various community programs.
The 56-foot tall, 24-foot wide red kettle will serve as a sign and symbol to Rescue Christmas for millions of metro Detroiters in 2020. It will remain unlit until the 26,000 sparkling LED lights are put on full display during the city of Detroit and Downtown Detroit Partnership’s special half-hour, virtual Tree Lighting program on Friday, Nov. 2020 at 7:30 p.m. A select number of red kettles will be present at storefront locations across metro Detroit the following week (Friday, Nov. 13) – and all red kettles will be on display beginning Friday, Nov. 27 through the remainder of the Christmas season.
WHEN:
Friday, Nov. 6
Giant Red Kettle installation and LED light testing
6:30 a.m.
WHERE:
Cadillac Square
Detroit, MI 48226
WHO:
Lt. Colonel John Turner, divisional commander and regional chief executive officer for The Salvation Army Eastern Michigan Division
VISUAL:
A beautiful reminder that the Christmas season is officially upon us – as the world’s tallest red kettle starts its construction in Cadillac Square. The kettle’s 26,000 sparkling LED lights will also be tested by The Salvation Army staff.
HISTORY:
Founded by William and Catherine Booth in London, England in 1865, The Salvation Army is a faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to serving people in need without discrimination. This past year, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit was involved in providing 2,535,013 meals and 579,920 nights of shelter for the homeless. The Salvation Army uses $.87 of every dollar raised to provide direct services to people in need each and every day of the year. For more information about The Salvation Army, please call 877-SAL-MICH, or visit us at salmich.org.
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