THE SALVATION ARMY'S 2001 NATIONAL KETTLE CAMPAIGN
TO KICK-OFF WITH DALLAS COWBOYS AND CREED
IRVING, TX (November 13, 2001) -- For the fifth consecutive season, the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day half-time show will kick off The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign with a nationally-televised performance, and this year will feature multi-platinum recording artist Creed. Announced today at the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Center for Children, Creed's performance will be broadcast live by CBS to raise awareness of The Salvation Army's services, and to encourage Americans to continue Helping the great number of people in need throughout the country this year.
"The tragic events of the past few months have put an even greater demand on services from The Salvation Army," said Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager. "Now more than ever, people are relying on The Salvation Army for help, and this event is an opportunity for the Dallas Cowboys to remind Americans that donating to the red kettle is one of the best ways to help people in our country today."
Creed will entertain Thanksgiving Day fans at Texas Stadium and those watching at home by performing a medley of songs, featuring the new single, My Sacrifice. During the half-time show, Salvation Army officers and volunteers will make the first donations into the red kettles at Texas Stadium as the National Kettle Campaign is officially launched for the season.
"The Salvation Army does so much to help those in need, and has been such an important part of the relief efforts since September 11, that it is a real honor to perform for America on Thanksgiving Day," said Creed's lead singer Scott Stapp. "We're going to put on a great show and hopefully remind people how important it is to continue to help their fellow Americans."
The Salvation Army was on site in New York, Washington and Pennsylvania within one hour after the attacks on September 11, and have been working around the clock ever since to serve the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the rescue workers and victims. In addition, because so many people throughout the country were impacted by these events, The Salvation Army's day-to-day services, such as food, rent, and utility payment assistance, job referrals, day care and shelter are in great demand. This demand makes The Salvation Army's Red Kettle fundraising campaign even more important this year.
"In order for The Salvation Army to respond on behalf of the American public, it has taken the generous donations of many individuals," added Busby. "The Salvation Army is incredibly grateful to Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys, Creed, and all others who have reached out and supported the work of The Salvation Army during this time of crisis."
The National Kettle Kick-off signifies the beginning of the holiday season, one where people across the country will be encouraged to fill the more than 20,000 Salvation Army red kettles that will be on display beginning Friday, November 23. All donations made to The Salvation Army's red kettles remain local, and go to support programs that serve people in that community. The Salvation Army operates more than 9,000 service centers in local communities nationwide.
One of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865, helping those in need without discrimination. The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and many more services to assist those in need.