Red Kettle season is upon us, and ICON Park joined hands once again with The Salvation Army to bring awareness of the Red Kettle campaign during its annual kickoff event this weekend. During the kickoff, community members learned about the purpose of the Red Kettle and how it addresses housing and hunger issues all while providing hope. Each time money goes into a red kettle, be it in person or virtual, The Salvation Amy’s reach is expanded, and lives are changed.
For the Red Kettle kickoff, Captain Ken Chapman, Area Commander for The Salvation Army rode The Wheel at ICON Park for 10 hours. In his fifth year of riding The Wheel at ICON Park, Captain Chapman remains dedicated to creative initiatives to further connect The Salvation Army, community partners, and residents.
“We are on a mission to further educate our community on all the things Red Kettle provides. It is indeed a powerful movement to be a part of,” said Captain Chapman. “When you give to the Red Kettle, you are literally positioning individuals and families to be able to have food, shelter, and the hope needed to keep pushing forward.”
ICON Park supported the efforts of The Salvation Army by waiving the ticket cost for all guests who took the 20-minute ride with Captain Chapman. Guests could instead donate the cost of the admission ticket to the Red Kettle Campaign. Additionally, ICON Park will donate a dollar for every ticket it sold during the Red Kettle Kickoff event to The Salvation Army for riders who chose not to ride with Captain Chapman.
“As part of our continued support of the Central Florida community, ICON Park is excited to host Captain Chapman and the entire Salvation Army family,” said Gregory Fornadel, Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement, ICON Park. “The Donation Rotation has become a staple of our holiday season and our guests look forward to it every year.”
