Red Kettle Campaign Sets Goal for 2011
Bell ringers greatly needed to reach $1.15 million
For Immediate Release November 15, 2011
The Red Kettle season marched its way into the holidays today―with the help of the joyous sounds of the Rose Bowl-bound Pulaski High School Marching Band―as local dignitaries, students, esteemed guests, and community members officially kicked off bell ringing for 2011 for The Salvation Army of Brown County. In order to meet the need in Brown County, a campaign goal of $1,150,000 was announced today.
“We gather each year about this time to officially launch bell ringing in Brown County and to announce our goal,” said Captain Ken Shiels, Brown County Coordinator. “And this year, it is imperative to our basic needs programming that this goal be met. The goal is not an unsubstantiated dollar amount. Our Christmas season goal is the exact number of donations that are needed to be raised throughout November, December and January so we can continue to serve basic needs like food, shelter and social services programming in Brown County throughout 2012.”
Major Robin Shiels, of The Salvation Army, reminded everyone that helping achieve the goal only takes one hour. “Ringing bells for one hour can help raise enough funding for: 10 hot meals in the noon feeding program; pay for an entire semester of After School program membership for 7 children; helps house a family with shelter for 1 night; or provide 2 grocery bags that would supply an individual or family staples for several meals,” Major Shiels explained.
“Two hours of bell ringing would help with a month’s rental assistance for one family,” she added. “Last year, 583 families in Brown County had this need met. Because someone rang bells for two hours, those families were able to avoid an eviction or move out of shelter.”
The honorary chairpersons for the 2011 Red Kettle Christmas campaign include Leonard Finco Public Relations President Susan Finco, and three-term retired Brown County Sheriff and retired Brown County Executive Tom Hinz. “The Salvation Army’s time-honored Christmas Campaign will include traditional fundraising methods like the Red Kettle we celebrate today, but also include the Red Kettle Credit Card machine,” Susan Finco explained. “You will be able to donate here at Bay Park Square with the help of our bell ringer concierge, and it will also be available at many special events. It is helping us keep current with our potential donors, and is a quick and easy way to give back to the community.”
New for 2011, a bell ringing award―named posthumously after longtime bell ringer and Salvation Army board member Robert Zimonick―was awarded to the family of Mary Ann Boersma. She was a bell ringer who sadly passed away last October after more than 50 years of bell ringing for The Salvation Army. “Having served Brown County for several years, I know how many philanthropic and caring individuals live in our communities,” said Hinz. “We are so blessed to call them neighbors, and it’s my pleasure to honor Robert Zimonick and Mary Ann Boersma today, helping to usher in this wonderful season of giving.”
As the Red Kettle Christmas campaign kicks off this year, there are many volunteer opportunities through The Salvation Army, including:
- Bell Ringing – Bell ringers are needed Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m., now through December 27. Times will vary with location. Anyone interested in volunteering to ring bells for an hour or two can sign up online or by calling the Bell Office at (920) 884-3077.
- Christmas Distribution at Shopko Hall – (December 20-21) Hundreds of volunteers are needed to distribute toys, clothing and food baskets at Shopko Hall to more than 2,900 families who apply for Christmas assistance through The Salvation Army. For more information, please contact The Salvation Army at (920) 497-7053.
The familiar Red Kettles have been stationed at more than 50 locations throughout Brown County. In addition, more than 150 counter kettles have been set up at other Brown County businesses.
“There are many opportunities during the next six weeks to help our less-privileged neighbors,” Captain Shiels said. “Just by putting change in the kettle, or volunteering for a couple of hours, you can help put a smile on the face of a child Christmas morning, keep a family out of shelter for a month or provide a family with a holiday meal.”
For more information about The Salvation Army of Brown County, please call (920) 497-7053.www.sagreenbay.org. |
The Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center Website Up and Running
The website for the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center is now fully operational and accessible, at www.gbkroccenter.org.
The website is up-to-date with the latest information about programming in the center, including plans for: family growth and community classes; after-school, day camp, and health and wellness programs; sports, aquatics and fitness programs; creative and performing arts activities; and worship and spiritual enrichment programs.
A 3-D rendering and descriptions of various components of the spaces and rooms in the center are also included on the website. More information regarding membership rates will be made available in March. |
