Kick-Off to Kettle Season in Greater Philadelphia
The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia kicked off our 2015 Red Kettle fundraising campaign with music, friends and delicious food with the 13th annual Christmas Cook-Off.
The Bellevue, which is located at Broad and Walnut Streets in Philadelphia, took center stage for the November 5, 2015 celebration, where The Salvation Army officers, staff, friends, local television and radio personalities and members of the community came together to celebrate the season of giving.
“I truly appreciate your efforts to help us share hope with our neighbors in need this season and all year round,” said Major A. Philip Ferreira, Director of Operations, The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia.
Local TV news personalities pitched in at the event to help serve free soup to passersby that was made by our Soup’s On! Project, a culinary arts job training and placement program – including chicken noodle, vegetable, tomato, and chili. Folks lined up to meet CBS 3’s Jim Donovan, 6ABC’s Wendy Saltzman, and Fox 29’s Bob Kelly, Lauren Johnson, Bill Anderson and Shawnette Wilson – and of course to try the delicious soups!
Holiday music from The Salvation Army’s Brass Ensemble sweetened the festivities which prompted the crowd to spontaneously sing along to the familiar tunes. The fun atmosphere inspired event-goers to be among the first in Greater Philadelphia to donate to this season’s Red Kettle Campaign.
“It’s been our pleasure for many years to support The Salvation Army,” said Doc Medek, WXTU 92.5 country music radio station personality, who emceed the Christmas Cook-Off with his colleague and friend Kevin Crockett.
The iconic tradition of bell ringers and red kettles is the most recognizable fundraising effort for The Salvation Army, which seeks to raise more than $3 Million this season. All donations collected throughout the annual holiday campaign will fund local programs that provide opportunities and change lives year round. Passersby can place monetary donations inside the red kettles, which are stationed in prominent locations throughout Greater Philadelphia, including Macy’s, JC Penney, Walmart, Shop Rite and Acme, until December 24.
There are many ways to support The Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia this holiday season, in addition to the Red Kettle campaign. You can donate using your credit card by texting the word SHARE to 41444. Donations are accepted online at www.saphilly.org. You can volunteer as an individual or group to ring a bell at one of our kettle locations this month. You can also donate new toys for children in need this Christmas. For more information – contact us at (215) 825-4601.
“No matter how you choose to support us, please remember, when you give to The Salvation Army, your donation helps others in your community,” Major Ferreira said.