27 August 2013

The Salvation Army welcomes Joel McHale for a special event to raise awareness and money for its Women’s Shelter in downtown Seattle. The event – called the “Red Kettle Gala” – will be an evening event featuring dinner, silent auction, entertainment, and fundraising at Fremont Studios on Saturday, September 28, from 5:00-9:00 pm. Tickets are on sale now. 

Mr. McHale is donating his time as emcee for the event. He grew up on Mercer Island and graduated from University of Washington (BA and MFA). Local audiences will remember him from KING-TV’s “Almost Live.” Today, he is the star of NBC’s “Community” and E!’s “The Soup.” His recent films include “Ted” (2012); “What's Your Number?” (2011) opposite Anna Faris; and “The Big Year”(2011) with Steve Martin, Jack Black and Owen Wilson, In 2009, he starred alongside Matt Damon in Steven Soderbergh's comedic thriller “The Informant.” He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons. 

Mr. McHale will be joined on stage at the Red Kettle Gala by several local artists. Scheduled to perform are Chris Ballew, star of musical groups Caspar Babypants and Presidents of the United States of America; The Microsoft Jumpin’ Jive Orchestra; and more.

In addition to dinner and entertainment, the Red Kettle Gala will include a silent auction of art created by local artists. Each piece of art will begin with an item from The Salvation Army Family Thrift Store in Seattle, with the finished product being a one-of-a-kind creation. All art will be included in the silent auction, with one piece selected as the winner – which will be auctioned during a live auction during the event. The esteemed jury includes local arts enthusiast Nancy Guppy, gallery owner Greg Kucera, and collector Virginia Wright. Artists interested in participating in this project and creating a piece should click HERE for information and registration. 

During the evening, attendees will help Joel McHale raise much needed funds for The Salvation Army women’s shelter. McHale will lead a “raise the paddle” opportunity for guests to support this important cause.

The Salvation Army Women’s Shelter in downtown Seattle is located at the corner of Pike and Boren streets. It offers a safe place for women to call home – a warm place to sleep, restrooms, laundry facilities, and a kitchen. The women can stay at the shelter for several months, and have support from a caseworker to help transition to independent living. Currently, the shelter operates at full capacity (24 beds). The goal is to increase capacity and help twice as many women.

Tickets for the “Red Kettle Gala” are on sale now HERE.

RESERVED tickets include admittance to the silent auction and appetizer reception, and assigned seating for the dinner and entertainment. RESERVED tickets are limited and may be sold out by mid September. VIP tickets include admittance to the silent auction and appetizer reception, and PREFERRED assigned seating for the dinner and entertainment. A cash bar is available for all attendees.

Fremont Studios is located at 155 N. 35th Street in Seattle, 98103. Street and lot parking is available around the venue.