Western PA Salvation Army Red Kettles Miss Mark - Internet Giving and Wendy's® Promo Push Final Total $52,000 Over Goal

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Jan 11, 2011, 07:15 ET

CARNEGIE, Pa., Jan. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The love of a Wendy's Frosty and the deep-seated rivalry with Cleveland helped to push The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign goal over the top. With kettles trailing behind by nearly $100,000, Internet giving and the Cleveland Kettle Challenge pushed the grand total $52,000 over goal. "The Cleveland online challenge was a huge success for both Divisions. We raised nearly $10,000 and Cleveland earned more than $7,000," said Western Pennsylvania Salvation Army Divisional Commander Major Robert Reel. "I can't wait to see the photo of my counterpart Major Ricardo Fernandez dipping Pittsburgh made pretzels in Heinz ketchup, while waiving a Terrible Towel!"

In seventeen of its 39 Worship and Service Centers, actual Red Kettle Campaign dollars are behind 2009 figures. Deficits range from a high of more than $21,000 in Pittsburgh's Westside to a low of $87 in Punxsutawney. Online Internet giving is at an all time high of more than $126,000. "The traditional iconic red kettles will always be a crucial part of our fundraising," said Major Robert Reel. "But, we need to be sensitive to evolving technology and continue to provide our donors with options. No matter the method, we are deeply grateful to the good people of Western Pennsylvania for their steadfast generosity."

Kettle income was boosted by more than $31,000 thanks to Wendy's Restaurants of Western Pennsylvania and their Junior Frosty keytag promotion. Keytags were sold for just $1.00 at area Wendy's restaurants, redeemable for a full year of free Jr. Frostys. Total proceeds are split and benefit both The Salvation Army and the American Red Cross. Additional funds were raised by KDKA 1020 AM Radio's online memorial red kettle in honor of broadcasting icon Fred Honsberger which raised more than $6,000.

Salvation Army Red Kettles account for roughly 10% to 20% of each local Worship and Service Center's budget. In smaller communities with fewer resources, they play an even larger role in the budget. Salvation Army fundraising, including the Red Kettle Campaign, and delivery of service are segmented according to zip code. That means each facility in every community is independent of one another. Money raised within a neighborhood remains there to support families specifically in that area. Social support services are provided according to the resident's home address, minimizing duplication of service and stretching the donor dollar further.

Both a church and a social service organization, The Salvation Army began in London, England in 1865. Today, it provides critical services in 122 countries worldwide. The 28-county Western Pennsylvania Division serves thousands of needy families through a wide variety of support services. To learn more about The Salvation Army in Western Pennsylvania, log onto www.salvationarmy-wpa.org. The Salvation Army … Doing the most good . . . for the most people . . . in the most need.

SOURCE The Salvation Army