Light it up!

A special thanks for all of those who came out and helped us kick off our Tree of Lights Christmas Campaign today! Tree of Lights honorary chairman, and WISH TV-8 anchor, Eric Halvorson emceed the event as Indianapolis Mayor Ballard expressed his support for the life-changing work of The Salvation Army. Mayor Ballard addressed the overwhelming need in a though economic time and urged every person, every organization in the city to do all they could to serve those in need in our community.   “This is the season for charitable donations…it needs to last past the holidays,” said Mayor Ballard.

Through the Tree of Lights campaign and the generous support of Hoosiers, over 27 thousand people receive assistance from the Salvation Army last year. The goal this year is to raise 2.75 million dollars to once again help the thousands who are homeless, fleeing domestic abuse, overcoming addictions, or trying to get back on their feet after loosing everything in this summer’s flooding.

The lighting of our tree, the symbol of the Tree of Lights campaign, was once again made possible by a generous gift from Walmart.  Jason Wetzel, Senior Public Affairs Manager,  shared that the partnership between the Salvation Army and Walmart is the longest running Walmart partnership in the country.  Last year, more than a quarter of the money raised in Salvation Army Red Kettles was collected in front of Walmart stores.

Halvorson shared that last year the campaign raised enough to give toys to over 700 families through the annual WISHTree/AngelTree program and helped more than 1,200 people overcome their addictions. The He went on to urge everyone to “give what you can to help the Salvation Army during this holiday season.”

Halvorson also officially announced basketball legend and Pacers’ VP of Communications, Quinn Buckner will serve as this year’s WIBC Radiothon Chair. The three-day live fundraising event on 93.1 fm will go on the air December 12-14. Buckner introduced WIBC radio personalities Terri Stacy and Big Joe Staysniack as well. “It comes from our hearts when we do the Radiothon,” said Terri, encouraging the community to once again make the call and support the programs that provide shelter, programs for at-risk children and emergency disaster services. (To learn more about the WIBC Radiothon, or to become a partner visit WIBCRadiothon.org or call Kristen at 224-1019.)

Thanks to Dunkin’ Donuts for providing hot coffee and muchkins for all in attendance. And to the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary for donating the first contribution of the campaign. Thanks to all those in attendance and to all of you who support our mission to continue “Doing the Most Good” for those who need it most.