22 November 2011

Pop superstar Enrique Iglesias will be the featured performer for The Salvation Army's 15th annual Red Kettle Kickoff during halftime of the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Miami Dolphins on November 24, 2011 (4:15 PM ET; CBS). Enrique's live nationally televised performance will mark the start of the 120th anniversary of the Army's iconic Red Kettle Campaign, which began in San Francisco in 1891.

"This is a great opportunity - to spend Thanksgiving in Dallas where music, football and helping others truly comes together," said Enrique. "The Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army have a great partnership --  throw in some great music and I know we can get viewers dancing and encourage donors to give generously this Christmas when so many need a hand up."

One of the most celebrated and recognized Latin Artists of all time, Enrique has sold more than 65 million albums worldwide. Most recently, Enrique was on a sold out arena tour in support of his 2010 smash-hit album, Euphoria. The album has sold 4 million copies worldwide and includes the hits "I Like It," "Tonight (I'm Lovin' You)" and the new single "I Like How it Feels" featuring Pitbull. Enrique has won a Grammy and a Latin Grammy, as well as 16 Billboard Music Awards, 23 Billboard Latin Music Awards, 5 American Music Awards and 7 World Music Awards.

As part of the announcement, Enrique was presented with a special Dallas Cowboys jersey with "Enrique" and the number 67 on the back to highlight the 67 #1 spots on the Billboard charts Enrique has had over his career. He also met with children from a local Salvation Army program in New York City, who were presented with special Dallas Cowboys jerseys.

"We are more than excited to have superstar artist Enrique Iglesias kickoff the Red Kettle Campaign. We know he will put on a halftime performance that will commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Cowboys partnership with The Salvation Army in style," said Charlotte Jones Anderson, Dallas Cowboys' executive vice president of brand management and Chairperson of The Salvation Army's National Advisory Board.

From its humble origin as a fundraiser started by a Salvation Army captain in San Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable campaigns in the United States. As part of the campaign, more than 25,000 Salvation Army workers and volunteers spread throughout the country to ring bells daily and solicit spare change donations to the iconic red kettles from holiday shoppers. In 2010, the campaign raised more than $142 million nationwide.