PRESS RELEASE
St. Cloud Bell Ringer Attempts
Salvation Army World Record at Coborn's
St. Cloud, Minn. – December 14, 2011 –St. Cloud resident Tiga (Tie Gee) Stevenson will attempt to set the new Salvation Army World Bell Ringing Record by competing in the inaugural Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringer World Record Contest, which begins at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 and ends at 11 p.m. Dec. 17. Stevenson will brave the winter cold at the Coborn's store located at 900 Cooper Ave. S., St. Cloud. While others have attempted unofficial bell ringing marathons, this is the first official Salvation Army Red Kettle Bell Ringer World Record Contest.
Stevenson is the only person from Minnesota to participate in this nationwide event. Stevenson is competing against 23 additional participants located throughout the U.S. She already has a leg up on winning, as she's rang Salvation Army Red Kettle bells for 10 hours straight on several occasions.
"Who knows how long she can ring - 15 hours? Twenty-four hours? Thirty?" said Major Steven Koehler, St. Cloud Salvation Army Corps Officer. "What I do know is that Tiga is doing this to challenge both herself and the community. Our hope is that her effort inspires others to become bell ringers and spurs current bell ringers to sign up for a few extra hours."
Like all competitors, Stevenson must stand the entire time, may not eat, may drink hydration products only such as water, Gatorade or juice and must ring a bell at all times. She may use the bathroom only once every four hours for 10 minutes and may not take other breaks, although accommodations can be made for participants with valid medical concerns. Donate directly to Stevenson's Online Red Kettle.
The Red Kettle bell ringing is crucial to raising money to support the many programs offered at the Salvation Army. The Salvation Army serves families in crisis through an integrated set of services unlike any other agency across the country. The Salvation Army offers housing assistance, youth services, counseling, rehabilitation, basic needs assistance, disaster relief and spiritual enrichment.
"Coborn's is proud to partner with The Salvation Army because we're passionate about giving back to the communities where we do business," said Coborn's President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Coborn. "For years, we've hosted the Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign at our stores because they make a real and tangible difference in the lives of those who need it most."
Coborn continued, "Tiga is a strong example of supporting the greater good within our community. We're rooting for her and wish her the best of luck!"
The homeless population in the tri-county area has doubled from 300 to 600 people in the past five years. Every day, the St. Cloud Salvation Army serves an average of 200 hot lunches and houses approximately 65 individuals and families. Each Christmas, the St. Cloud Salvation Army distributes nearly 8,000 gifts of toys and clothing to children of low-income families.
The Salvation Army Giving Tree is the largest distributor of toys for children in need. For two days (Dec. 22 and Dec. 23), hundreds of volunteers help hundreds of families by picking up toys donated by local residents. The Giving Tree program giveaway takes place at the St. Cloud National Guard Armory. Volunteers are needed Dec. 19 through Dec. 23 for activities such as filling toy bags, signing in families, helping families bring gifts to their vehicles, sorting food, loading and unloading food and gifts from trucks, and much more.
The St. Cloud Salvation Army would like to encourage everybody to stop by Coborn's to say "hi" to Stevenson and cheer her on.
"For those community members who sign up to bell ring because of Stevenson's inspiring effort, please let us know," Koehler added.
Hundreds of bell ringing hours remain unfilled at St. Cloud's 20 kettle locations. For more information about bell ringing or to sign up, please visit www.thesalarmy.org/stcloud or call (320) 257-7437 and ask for Brenda.
The Twin Cities Salvation Army serves more than 288,000 people a year through its 25 local centers of operation. Daily it serves 2,500 hot meals and shelters 970 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.
