PRESS RELEASE
Volunteer Attempting to Exceed World Record at
Salvation Army Kettle Kickoff Nov. 9
Jeff Olsen to bell ring 29 hours straight at Cub Foods in St. Louis Park
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – November 3, 2011 – Salvation Army volunteer and local broadcaster Jeff Olsen will attempt a marathon nonstop bell ringing session of 29 hours during The Salvation Army's 2011 Kettle Kickoff event, "A Record-Breaking Christmas."
Kettle Kickoff takes place Wednesday, Nov. 9 from 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. at the St. Louis Park Cub Foods, 3620 Texas Ave. s. In addition to Olsen's historic effort, the Twin Cities Salvation Army will attempt to break two of its own records: most Online Red Kettle donations received in one day (currently $29,000) and most volunteer bell ringing hours scheduled in one day (900 hours). Everybody is welcome to attend Kettle Kickoff, which will feature a heated tent filled with nonstop entertainment, refreshments, music, prizes and fun "record-breaking" activities organized by the St. Paul AreaAssociation of Realtors®.
Olsen needs to bell ring for at least 29 hours straight in order to exceed the current world record of 28 hours and 55 minutes. He will begin ringing at Cub Foods on Nov. 8 at 12:10 p.m. The following day at 5 p.m., a countdown ceremony will be held at Kettle Kickoff as he breaks the record. The ceremony will also include the declaration of The Salvation Army's 2011 Christmas fundraising goal, plus major announcements from Cub Foods and the St. Paul Area Association of Realtors®.
"We look forward to Kettle Kickoff and another successful Christmas fundraising campaign," said Major Jeff Strickler, Twin Cities Salvation Army Commander. "Through the generosity of Twin Cities residents and businesses, The Salvation Army can begin another year of meeting record demands for food, clothing, shelter, heating assistance and so much more."
The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 214,000 people a year through its 25 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 2,100 hot meals and shelters 900 people. More than 33,000 local volunteers help The Salvation Army provide these and other services, from child daycare to senior housing. To volunteer with The Salvation Army or to make a donation, please call 651-746-3400 or toll free at 800-SAL-ARMY. Checks made out to The Salvation Army may be sent to 2445 Prior Ave. N, Roseville, MN 55113. Click below to make an online donation.
