‘Tree of Lights' celebration ushers in 2024 Red Kettle season
Thousands of spectators gathered Nov. 16 at Rice Park in downtown St. Paul to witness the unveiling of The Salvation Army’s Tree of Lights – an all-new, 40-foot digital tree that features a new light show every week of the holiday season. (See event photos.)
The event was emceed by KARE 11 afternoon anchor Alexis Rogers, who introduced special guests such as Minnesota basketball legend Lindsay Whalen, Blaze Credit Union CEO Dan Stoltz, St. Paul Mayor Melvin Carter, and Grammy Award-winning choir Sounds of Blackness.
The celebration marked the beginning of The Salvation Army’s 2024 Red Kettle season, with Cub grocery stores providing $25,000 worth of matching donations over the weekend for gifts given at kettles in the Twin Cities.
Whalen is thrilled to support The Salvation Army this Christmas season.
“Partnering with The Salvation Army is an incredible opportunity to shine a light on the people and programs that are making a real difference in our community,” said Whalen, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA championship with the Minnesota Lynx. “I’ve always believed in the power of teamwork, and I see that same commitment in the work The Salvation Army does every day.”
Stoltz recently accepted the role as Salvation Army Red Kettle Community Chair for 2024 and is helping to promote our Christmas fundraising campaign throughout the holidays.
“Giving back to those less fortunate is a fundamental principle of humanity,” said Stoltz, who presented a donation of $100,000 at the event, on behalf of Blaze Credit Union. “That’s why at Blaze, we make it a priority to support the work of organizations like The Salvation Army, and I would encourage others to make a gift at the kettle or volunteer to ring a bell this holiday season.”
Mayor Carter punctuated the celebration by lighting the tree as colorful fireworks exploded above.
“Thank you to The Salvation Army,” Mayor Carter said. “Thank you to all of the incredible partners who made this event happen.”
Those incredible partners included:
- St. Paul Downtown Alliance
- Xcel Energy
- Event company metroConnections
- Minnesota Wild
- Cub grocery stores
- Blaze Credit Union
The Tree of Lights will be on display until Jan. 4, 2025.
“The Tree of Lights is fast becoming a holiday tradition much like the Red Kettle, affirming our commitment to celebrating the season of peace, hope, and goodwill,” said Lt. Col. Randall Polsley, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division.
2024 Red Kettle season
This holiday season, you can Be the Light in somebody’s life by ringing bells for The Salvation Army. Sign up to ring.
Your time at a Red Kettle will be a huge help for local families who need food, shelter and care. Bell ringers typically raise about $100 per hour – enough to feed three families for week, or help save a family from eviction.
Bell ringing is fun and easy, with hundreds of kettle locations throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. Recruit your friends, family and coworkers to join you – and let your light shine even brighter.
Thousands of volunteer bell ringers are needed. Sign up now and help The Salvation Army provide a merry Christmas for people in need.
The Salvation Army hopes to raise $2 million worth of kettle donations in the Twin Cities – a significant portion of our overall local fundraising.
This Christmas season, you can Be the Light in somebody’s life by providing food, shelter and care for people in need. Join us today by giving a donation, signing up to volunteer, or ringing bells at a Red Kettle.