The nationally televised show marks the 16th year the Dallas Cowboys have helped The Salvation Army launch the campaign, which began on a San Francisco pier in 1891. Kenny’s performance will help raise awareness and millions of dollars for the Red Kettle Campaign, which collected a record $147.6 million last year. Funds will support people in need, including those still experiencing the lasting impact of Hurricane Sandy this Christmas season.
Kenny will perform a number of his top hits from past albums, as well as his most recent studio album, Welcome to the Fishbowl, which debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Country Albums Chart. Since its release in June 2012, Welcome to the Fishbowl has been certified gold and includes the hit singles "Feel Like a Rock Star," "Come Over,” and current hit “El Cerrito Place.” Throughout his nearly 20-year career, Kenny has sold more than 27 million albums and had 24 #1 singles.
Since the partnership between the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army began in 1997, the Red Kettle Campaign has raised more than $1.5 billion with the help of multiple top-tier musical acts spanning the past 15 years. Previous halftime performers have included: 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.
“Something special happens when the Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army come together for the Red Kettle Campaign on Thanksgiving Day – people are driven to give and help their neighbors,” said Charlotte Jones Anderson, Executive Vice President of Brand Management for the Dallas Cowboys and National Advisory Chairperson for The Salvation Army. “A marquee performance by a star like Kenny Chesney will reach millions of people and hopefully encourage giving this Christmas. We know from experience that The Salvation Army will stretch donations as far as possible to help as many people as possible.”
The Salvation Army continues to provide disaster relief services to families and individuals who are rebuilding from the devastation of Hurricane Sandy in New York and New Jersey. Since late October, The Salvation Army has provided food, hydration, clothing, financial assistance, and other supplies to hundreds of thousands of people. These services and others by The Salvation Army will continue throughout the holiday season and into the New Year until all the need created by Hurricane Sandy is met. Donations made to the Red Kettle Campaign stay in the local community, and any donations made in the impacted areas of New York and New Jersey will help benefit the recovering communities.
“The Red Kettle Campaign this year will help not only those who need The Salvation Army’s assistance day-to-day, but also those who are still recovering from Superstorm Sandy,” said Commissioner William Roberts, National Commander for The Salvation Army. “This is the time of year we need to lend a helping hand to our neighbors, and help them up in His name. We extend a big thanks to the Jones Family and the Dallas Cowboys, as well as Kenny Chesney for helping make this Thanksgiving so special.”
The 2012 Red Kettle Campaign will bring The Salvation Army’s iconic kettles and 25,000 bell ringers to street corners and storefronts nationwide through December 24. Notably, national corporate partners hosting Salvation Army red kettles at their stores through Christmas Eve include Walmart, Macy’s, jcpenney, Kroger, Sam’s Club, Bloomingdales, Walgreens and Big Lots.
Supporters of The Salvation Army can also ring a virtual Red Kettle bell online atwww.onlineredkettle.org , donate by phone at 1-800-SAL-ARMY or text the word “GIVE” to 80888 to make a $10 donation to the Red Kettle Campaign. More information on the Red Kettle Campaign is available online at www.salvationarmyusa.org .
