2023 Red Kettle Kickoff
The inaugural ringing of the iconic Christmas bells took place on the Blue Bridge in downtown Grand Rapids this year! Our annual Red Kettle Kickoff was November 10th from 5:00-6:00 p.m. When the bridge lights were turned on at dusk, they were red in honor of the start of our holiday fundraising season!
Highlights included:
- Grand Valley Area Commander Major Timothy Meyer, Salvation Army advisory board members, and Honorary Christmas Chair Lynn Afendoulis of UFP Industries, simultaneously ringing the first bells of the season to begin the campaign.
- Free cocoa, and donuts served by The Salvation Army’s mobile kitchen.
- The Salvation Army Brass Band, a crowd favorite, playing holiday favorites.
The Salvation Army's annual Red Kettle campaign is the organization's most important fundraising effort of the year. Funds raised help sustain programs that operate year-round including:
- An emergency food pantry which has seen a 50% increase in households seeking assistance during the past year.
- One of the county’s largest seniors’ programs, which has been assessed and approved by the Area Agency of Aging of West Michigan.
- Housing and Utilities assistance.
- Pathway of Hope which helps families break the cycle of generational poverty.
- As well as programs to help individuals with substance abuse.