It’s time to get those bells rocking and ringing this holiday season during the fifth annual Rock the Red Kettle concert hosted by The Salvation Army and produced by Ned Specktor of Specktor Media.
This year’s free concert, which will take place on December 6 at 5 p.m. PST at L.A. LIVE in Downtown Los Angeles, will also be streamed live on RedKettleReason.org. Taking the stage at L.A. LIVE are some of music’s rising stars including headliners Shawn Mendes and Becky G.
This year, The Salvation Army is encouraging its supporters to share their motivations for giving using the hashtag #RedKettleReason, whether it is to help families in need or to ensure that all kids have a safe place to sleep. This year’s Rock the Red Kettle performers will participate by sharing their own #RedKettleReasons throughout the holiday season and inviting their fans to do the same. Fans can also win awesome prizes for sharing #RedKettleReasons in the weeks before the concert. The Army is partnering with Teen Vogue to give fans the chance to enter to win a retweet from their favorite performers, a trip to L.A. to attend the concert or even the chance to meet some of the artists before the show. For more information, visit teenvogue.com/redkettlereason.
“Growing up, my family struggled to make ends meet, so I know how important organizations like The Salvation Army are for families to lean on in times of need,” said Becky G. “I want my fans to understand that what you put into the universe is what you get back. Giving back is the right thing to do, whether it’s donating clothing or even just a smile to someone who needs it. I am honored to be performing to help raise awareness, and I’m excited to see the other #RedKettleReasons from my fans.”
“I’ve been really inspired by the work The Salvation Army does to help kids who need a safe place to sleep, a meal and a place to hang out after school,” said Shawn Mendes. “I hope my fans will help me give back this season and will also help spread the spirit of giving by posting their own #RedKettleReasons.”
In addition to Shawn Mendes and Becky G, this year’s concert will feature other up-and-coming artists including Bea Miller, R5, Josh Levi and Exist Elsewhere. All of this year’s artists will be sharing their #RedKettleReasons throughout the season and calling on fans to do the same.
“I grow more amazed each year at the talented young artists who perform and connect to The Salvation Army during the Rock the Red Kettle concert,” said Lt. Col. Ron Busroe, community relations and development secretary for The Salvation Army. “Young people have such passion for causes that make a difference, and we hope to open their eyes to everything that The Salvation Army does each year for the people who need it most.”
“We are excited to welcome Rock the Red Kettle back to L.A. LIVE and host a night of free entertainment for our guests while raising awareness for a great cause,” said Lee Zeidman, president of L.A. LIVE. “Partnering with The Salvation Army is always something we look forward to, as well as hosting a night that will not only benefit the community of Los Angeles, but all those who benefit from the Red Kettle Campaign.”
Rock the Red Kettle will raise awareness of The Salvation Army’s 124th annual Red Kettle Campaign, the oldest charitable fundraiser of its kind in the United States. Money raised during the campaign helps the Army serve nearly 30 million of America’s most vulnerable through an array of social services including food for the hungry, shelter for the homeless and toys for children.
“The Red Kettles go hand in hand with the holiday season, but it is important that we all take a step back and reflect on the true purpose of The Salvation Army,” said Ned Specktor, the show’s producer. “Rock the Red Kettle is a chance for fans to learn about all the good this organization does, like providing nearly 60 million meals and 10 million nights of shelter each year. At this concert, the fans see the campaign come to life through their favorite artists. It’s really impactful to see young people come together in this way.”
The concert will be streamed live on RedKettleReason.org so young philanthropists across the country can join in on the fun. In addition to giving online or to the more than 25,000 bell ringers found on street corners and retail entrances across the country, supporters can donate through the Army’s text-to-give program. By texting the word “KETTLE” to 80888, donors can send $10 to the Red Kettle Campaign through December 24.
From its humble beginnings as a San Francisco donation collection by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McFee in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable campaigns in the United States. It provides toys for kids, coats for the homeless, food for the hungry and countless social service programs year-round.
To learn more about the event and get tickets, visit redkettletickets.com.
