2017 Red Kettle Campaign Kick-Off Event with SpartanNash
Bell ringers for The Salvation Army will begin ringing the iconic Christmas bells this Friday in an effort to meet a $1.65 million Christmas campaign goal.
The Red Kettle Campaign officially kicks off on Friday, November 10, at 12:00 noon with the first ring of the Christmas bell at the Knapp’s Crossing D&W Fresh Market located at 2000 East Beltline NE in Grand Rapids.
Major Norman Grainger, The Salvation Army Kent County Coordinator, Phil Catlett, The Salvation Army Christmas Campaign Chair, Meredith Gremel, SpartanNash Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications, and Ruth Kelly, Grand Rapids City Second Ward Commissioner will simultaneously ring the first bells of the season to kick off the 2017 Red Kettle Campaign. In addition, Potter’s House singers, consisting of 4th and 5th grade students, will perform several musical selections and will also join-in the bell ringing festivities.
“The Salvation Army is grateful for our long-standing relationship with SpartanNash. Last Christmas alone, kettle donations at SpartanNash locations in Kent County topped $165,000,” said Major Norman Grainger, Kent County Coordinator. “Because of the generosity of SpartanNash and their customers, The Salvation Army is able to continue the fight for good right here in Kent County,” Major Grainger added.
SpartanNash hosts bell ringers year after year in order to raise funds for families in need of assistance during the holiday season and throughout the year. For over 20 consecutive years, bell ringers are welcomed into the warmth of all Family Fare Supermarkets, D&W Fresh Market, Forest Hills Foods, ValuLand and VG’s locations to make it more comfortable for the bell ringers and easier for customers to make their donations.
“SpartanNash is proud to be a longtime participant in The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign,” said Meredith Gremel, SpartanNash Vice President, Corporate Affairs and Communications. “The bell ringers provide a reminder of the true power of sharing and caring during the holiday season. With 87 retail grocery stores in Michigan, SpartanNash and our corporate stores love partnering with The Salvation Army to raise the necessary funds to help those who are less fortunate in our communities, especially when the needs remain great,” Gremel added.