Community Rallies to Overcome Winter Weather, Exceeds $30,000 Match Challenge

The iconic Red Kettle Campaign launched its Match Days Challenge with tremendous momentum, raising $8,000 on Day 1. While severe winter weather slowed progress on Day 2, resulting in less than $5,000 raised, the spirit of generosity in the community never wavered. By Day 3, improving conditions—and extraordinary community support—helped turn the challenge into a success.

Towards the end of Day 3, Captain Andy Wheeler received a phone call asking how close The Salvation Army was to reaching the $30,000 match. After learning there was still a shortfall, the caller assured Captain Andy that help was on the way.

“I was incredibly moved by the determination of the person on the other end of the line,” said Captain Andy Wheeler of The Salvation Army. “The caller represented a group of businesses committed to making a difference in our community and wanted to ensure that every possible dollar was matched.”

The Salvation Army had called on the community to rise to the challenge—and they delivered. Local businesses, recognizing the vital services The Salvation Army provides, joined forces with individual donors to ensure the match challenge was not only met, but exceeded.

“These businesses are a powerful reflection of the heart and generosity of this community,” said Mark Murphy, this year’s Corporate Campaign Chair. “They show what is possible when we come together with a shared purpose.”

“Thank you to Wow! Zone, Victory Bowl, 300 Club (Le Sueur), and Kegel Klub (New Ulm) for stepping up in such an incredible way,” Captain Andy Wheeler added. “Your generosity will have a lasting impact on countless individuals and families in our community.”