2022 RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN RESULTS
DESPITE BLIZZARD AND RINGER SHORTAGE, SALVATION ARMY RED KETTLE CAMPAIGN RAISES $142,000.00 THANKS TO GENEROUS COMMUNITY MEMBERS
January 10, 2023 PETOSKEY, MI- Due to the kindness, compassion and generosity of our local community, The Salvation Army nearly reached it’s 2022 Red Kettle Campaign goal of $145,000. Considering the challenging season with a shortage of bell-ringers and a blizzard over the last 2 highest revenue producing days, David Meyer, the 2022 Red Kettle Campaign Chairman did a tremendous job getting the word out and inspiring others to join forces and raise money for those in need.
Meyer Ace generously matched $5000 at its two Petoskey locations for the new Community Center. David Meyer said “We thank our staff and loyal customers for helping us reach the match. Proceeds go towards the Salvation Army’s Major Gift Fundraiser to renovate its recently acquired building on Mitchell Park Drive”. David is also a member of Petoskey Rotary Sunrise Club who raised $5,758.22 in addition to the $10,000.00 they raised at their Chef’s Challenge fundraiser at Odawa’s Sage restaurant. The Chef’s Challenge was given on behalf of the beloved late Marty VanDeCar; in total raising an amazing $20,758.22 for The Salvation Army this year!
The Central Lake Lions toughed out the weather at Merrie’s Market all season while the Elk Rapids Rotary, Interact, Indigenous Youth Club and many kind volunteers took turns at the Village Market. Dave Ciganick of Coldwell Banker’s and the Bellaire Fire Department helped fill Bellaire’s Family Fare with ringers and other friendly volunteers rang in Mancelona and the Eastport Market. Together Antrim County Locations raised more than $25,000 to help neighbors in need.
Other businesses and service clubs also gave generously. The Northern Knights broke their record this year raising more than $20,000 for the Petoskey and Cheboygan Salvation Army locations to split; making sure disadvantaged children had a wonderful Christmas. David Kring matched $5,000 at the Oleson’s Red Kettle while their staff rang the bell for the day. Katydid also stepped up to help ring the bell while ringers were in short supply plus matched $500 of what the Petoskey Rotary Noon Club brought in one of the 2 days they rang at their location. Fletch’s matched $500 at Walmart and Salvation Army Advisory Board members gave additionally to make up for the 2 lost snow days at the end of the campaign.
The fall-out from the pandemic has more than doubled the average amount of community financial assistance The Salvation Army of Petoskey gave prior to the introduction of Covid from approximately $336,000 per yet to more than $739,000 over the last fiscal year. There is not only an increased number of people requesting assistance, but also an increased cost per person due to inflation. Money raised during the holidays supports year -round programs and services from meal deliveries to children’s and senior programs.
The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination. If you would like to donate or if you would like to learn more about The Salvation Army of Petoskey’s programs and services, please visit www.SAPetoskey.org or call (231) 347-3531.