Kenny Chesney Kicks Off 122nd Red Kettle Campaign
Music superstar and football enthusiast Kenny Chesney will rock Cowboys Stadium on Thanksgiving Day to kick-off The Salvation Army's 122nd annual Red Kettle Campaign. Kenny's performance will be televised LIVE nationally on FOX during halftime of the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Washington Redskins on November 22, 2012 at 3:15PM (CT). The concert marks the 16th year of the Thanksgiving Day partnership between the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army, in which time the Red Kettle Campaign has raised more than $1.5 billion.
"There are great traditions in America -- especially Thanksgiving, family and football. For 16 years the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army have been an American tradition and I'm happy to be a part of it," said Kenny Chesney.
Kenny's live halftime performance will mark the 16th year of the musical tradition during the Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game to launch The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign. Over the previous 15 years, the American public has generously given more than $1.5 billion to Salvation Army red kettles to help 30 million people a year in 5,000 communities each year. Now in its 122nd year, the Red Kettle Campaign is one of the largest and longest-running charitable fundraisers, raising $147.6 million last year alone. Previous halftime performers who brought awareness to the campaign include Enrique Iglesias, Keith Urban, Daughtry, Jonas Brothers, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny's Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Creed, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gillman, Clint Black, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.
"Without a doubt, Kenny will electrify Cowboys Stadium on Thanksgiving Day. His performance will not only kick-off The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign, but also get everyone singing along to his great music," said Charlotte Jones Anderson, Dallas Cowboys Executive Vice President of Brand Management and Chairperson of The Salvation Army's National Advisory Board. "The longstanding partnership between the Cowboys and The Salvation Army is deeply meaningful especially for those in need. We know Kenny and his commitment to the Army will make this a year to remember."
"Since the Red Kettle Campaign began more than a century ago, The Salvation Army has been providing food, clothing, shelter, toys and other assistance to families and individuals during Christmas thanks to the American donor. Without the public's support, our services would not be possible," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "Between Kenny Chesney and the Dallas Cowboys highlighting the kick-off event, we know that this year will be special and that we'll be able to continue providing critical services to millions of people in need."
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 and solicit spare change donations to the iconic red kettles from holiday shoppers. In 2011, the campaign raised more than $147.6 million nationwide, a new record supported by the public's nickels, dimes, quarters, dollars, credit cards (and the occasional diamond ring or gold tooth) all collected and used to help people in the communities in which the funds were raised. Last year, money raised helped The Salvation Army provide food, clothing, toys and other assistance to 30 million Americans in need.