Bob Baesler Recognized
Every holiday season, thousands of Hoosiers hear the bells ringing and drop spare change into The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettles. In Terre Haute, one local business leader has turned that simple act into a community movement. Bob Baesler, owner of Baesler’s Market, was recently recognized for helping raise over $200,000 through the Red Kettles stationed outside his stores.
For years, Baesler has not only hosted bell ringers and Red Kettles each Christmas season, he's also provided an annual matching gift on a key shopping day to kickstart the campaign. That one-day match creates a spike in giving and inspires others to step up.
“We are honored to receive this award in recognition of the funds raised for The Salvation Army," Baesler said. "This achievement would not have been possible without the generosity of our customers and volunteers. The Salvation Army does vital work, and we’re grateful to support their mission of helping those in need.”
That mission includes Pathway of Hope, a case management program that helps families overcome poverty through long-term, personalized support.
One local success story is Eli, a young man with autism who came to The Salvation Army with no place to stay. Within days, a caseworker secured him a safe place to live. A local church stepped in to help with rent. Today, Eli is paying his own way and working with the Housing Authority to secure his first apartment.
"The struggle to survive can cause deep feelings of hopelessness," said Captain Jeremy Fingar, corps officer for The Salvation Army of Vigo County. "We at the Salvation Army are so grateful for the leaders of our community who make it their personal mission to give hope to the hopeless. Bob Baesler's commitment to philanthropic endeavors in our community inspires not just the residents, but also other business and community leaders. This inspiration leads all of us to seek the most good for where we live. It is through these partnerships that the Salvation Army can make a real-world difference in Vigo county."
Bob Baesler echoed Captain Fingar's sentiment when he said, "It's a reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together for a greater cause."
In Vigo County, the Red Kettle isn’t just a Christmas tradition. It’s a lifeline of hope.