PRESS RELEASE
Realtor® Ring Day is Largest Bell Ringing Effort in MN, ND Salvation Army History
Realtors® bell ringing at kettles across both states Dec. 10
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – December 9, 2010 – If you come across a Salvation Army kettle in Minnesota or North Dakota on Friday, Dec. 10, it’s a safe bet that the person bell ringing is a Realtor®. In an effort to feed the hungry, house the homeless and free people from addiction, Minnesota and North Dakota Realtors® have teamed up with the Salvation Army for Realtor® Ring Day.
Realtor® Ring Day will feature hundreds of Realtors® bell ringing at more than 75 kettle locations in greater Minnesota, 75 locations in the Twin Cities and 90 locations across North Dakota. That equals about 2,400 hours of bell ringing worth an estimated $72,000 in donations.
“Realtor® Ring Day will be the largest Minnesota and North Dakota bell ringing effort in Salvation Army history – and we’ve been in both states for nearly 125 years,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Sjögren, commander of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “We deeply appreciate the generosity of Minnesota and North Dakota Realtors®. Their record-setting effort to support our mission of serving people in need is a tremendous blessing.”
To sweeten Realtor® Ring Day in North Dakota, the North Dakota Association of Realtors® will match all donations up to $10,000. The idea to hold Realtor® Ring Day started with the North Dakota Association of Realtors® and then spread to the Minnesota Association of Realtors®.
“Realtors® have a connection to the people and neighborhoods they serve – Realtor® Ring Day is a great way to give back to those who currently find themselves without a home during this holiday season and beyond,” said Russ Portele, President of the Minnesota Association of Realtors®.
The Salvation Army Northern Division has been serving Minnesota and North Dakota communities since 1886. Today the Northern Division includes operation centers in dozens of cities across both states. These centers provide food, shelter, spiritual enrichment and more to about 500,000 people a year. 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.
