St. Louis Kicks Off Red Kettle Campaign with Over $119,000 in Donations
Major Adam Moore, General Secretary and St. Louis Area Commander with John O'Leary, speaker, author, and 2024 Red Kettle Campaign Chair. Photographs by Adrian Tatum. Click here to view event photos.
‘Tis the season to be giving and on Saturday, Nov. 23, the St. Louis community showed up in a big way – giving more than $119,000 to The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign, supporting our most marginalized neighbors!
The Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff was held at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark, where more than 130 special guests, officers and local dignitaries joined together to support the mission of The Salvation Army and to share in the annual downtown St. Louis tree lighting.
The program began with remarks and prayer from St. Louis Area Commander Major Adam Moore. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from executives at presenting sponsor organizations, Edward Jones and Ameren, as well as from campaign chair and keynote speaker, John O’Leary. O’Leary shared the inspiring story of being burned on 100% of his body as a child, being given a 1% chance to live, and overcoming incredible obstacles thanks to his faith and the support of the community.
Major James Scott of St. Louis’ Euclid Corps also shared his testimony via video of a life complicated by alcohol and drug addiction, and saved by God and The Salvation Army. Once living on the streets and eating from garbage cans, he’s dedicated the past 29 years of his life to the church and the mission of the Army, ensuring that those who walk down a similar path as he did have the opportunity to feel the love of Christ and overcome their circumstances.
A paddle raise presented an opportunity for individuals in the room to truly become partners in mission with The Salvation Army. Collectively, patrons of the event raised more than $119,000 that will go straight back into the St. Louis community and provide critical social services to those in need.
“We are eternally grateful for the support of our friends and the response to our call to ‘do more in 2024,’” said Major Moore. “Since the pandemic, the needs have grown in our community and the resources and investment have not kept pace. These donations are giving us a strong start, especially given the shorter bellringing season, and will hopefully allow us to reach our goal of raising over $5 million here in the metro area this Christmas.”
Guests enjoyed dinner, dessert, a signature Red Shield Refresher and a special VIP book signing with O’Leary.
The program closed with remarks from Divisional Commanders Major Bob and Lisa Mueller, a beautiful performance from the children’s music ministry, and a live-streaming countdown that led to the spectacular tree lighting in Kiener Plaza, visible from the windows of the Hilton’s Arch Room. Army mascot Captain Kettle and the giant red kettle joined the festivities in Kiener Plaza. A Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Services canteen distributed over 850 cups of hot chocolate to festival-goers.
As the Red Kettle Campaign is now officially underway, there are many opportunities for the community to get involved and make Christmas brighter for those in need.
- Bellringing: Roughly 7,500 hours of a total 48,000 available hours have been filled in the St. Louis area so far. Volunteers can sign up for a two-hour shift to ring bells at local participating stores including Schnucks, Dierbergs, Walmart, Sam's Club, Hobby Lobby, Bass Pro, Cabela’s, Dillard’s, JCPenney and many more. For a full list of available dates, times and locations, visit RegistertoRing.com.
- Kettle Donations: The iconic red kettles will be accepting donations at participating locations now through Christmas Eve.
- Online Giving: Individuals can donate to The Salvation Army's virtual red kettle, benefitting the greater St. Louis community.
- Angel Tree Toy Town: Each year, The Salvation Army serves more than 6,000 children in the St. Louis area by providing Christmas gifts and food vouchers. Toy collection begins in July each year and toys are distributed to qualifying families in need mid-December. The Salvation Army works closely with local businesses to host toy drives and engage volunteers to help distribute those toys.
Thank you for your generosity this Christmas!
We also wish to express thanks to our campaign sponsors this year, including Lenoir Charitable Trust, St. Louis Business Journal, Cass Information Systems, Guarantee Electrical, St. Louis Magazine, Reitz & Jens and Dierbergs. Our Red Kettle Kickoff event sponsors included Summit Marketing, Merri and Mark Abels, and Mary Pitcher, who is sponsoring in memory of William G. Pitcher, Sr. and Billy G. Pitcher, Jr.
View more event pictures by Adrian Tatum Photography
Join us this Christmas season!
