December 30, 2015 at 3:52 p.m.
Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign surpasses goal
Nearly $35K raised
Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign surpasses goal
By Kayla Thomason-
Campaign coordinator Kim Swisher announced Tuesday the organization has raised $34,815.75 as of Dec. 28. The final amount is likely to be higher as the remaining mini kettles and mailed donations trickle in, she added.
"We are incredibly grateful for the community's generosity," said Swisher. "To make our goal was a lofty ambition, and the community has really shown their spirit of giving and caring. I'm overwhelmed, and deeply grateful to everyone who contributed their time and who made donations."
The campaign brought in a lot of money in a relatively short amount of time. As of Dec. 4, the total amount raised was $11,142.67.
Nearly 300 people volunteered to fill the 189 bell ringing shifts at Trig's and Walmart, Swisher noted in a press release announcing the target amount had been reached. The Shopko slots were filled for six weeks straight, she added.
"The School District of Rhinelander's annual competition contributed greatly to filling bell ringing shifts, and we are excited to announce the school winner in the coming weeks," Swisher said. "We also saw a great number of families come out this year. Parents and grandparents rang with their children, sharing the spirit of giving.
"Business donations were also up this year," she added. "Taco Johns has continued to do a terrific job selling stuffed animals and encouraging their customers to donate. Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, Ray Rousseau VFW Post 3143, Rhinelander GM, Ripco Credit Union and the WPS Foundation all contributed significant amounts this year."
Last year the Salvation Army raised $25,860.51, which made it hard to help those who needed assistance through 2015. Thanks to the generosity of the community, the outlook for 2016 is much more positive.
"The community effort is what brought us to exceed our goal, and we are incredibly thankful for everyone's contribution," Swisher said.
The group bell ringers included the School District of Rhinelander, WJFW Channel 12, and the Northwoods Association of REALTORS.
"Their efforts combined with many families and individuals kept the bells ringing throughout the past month," Swisher noted.
"Donations from area business including Lake of the Torches Resort Casino, Ray Rousseau VFW Post 3143, Rhinelander GM, Ripco Credit Union, Taco Johns and the WPS Foundation added to the many donations that filled the kettles and kept the tellers at Ripco busy," she added.
Swisher also wanted to thank Holiday Acres and the Rhinelander Cafe & Pub for allowing them to join in the festivities at the Rhinelander Chamber's Business After 5 p.m., local media for their efforts and support, and dedicated volunteers Jan Leschke, Tom Doyle, Tom Jerow, and April Rawski.
Swisher was also thankful for radio personalities Scott King, Duff Damos and Mike Michalak at NRG Radio for their years of support and effort in kicking off the bell ringing seasons.
The donations allow the Salvation Army to provide emergency assistance to hundreds of adults and children, which includes housing, medical and transportation emergency services.
Of every $1 donated, $0.86 stays in Rhinelander.
The remaining money goes to state and national relief efforts.
Kayla Breese may be reached at [email protected].
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