The Eastern Michigan Division launched a Rock the Red Kettle virtual concert series to help Rescue Christmas for struggling families in the Detroit area.
The Facebook fundraiser has hosted local musicians as they’ve taken to the stage on Tuesday evenings from October through mid-December. Each event has featured one musical act performing a prerecorded or live concert to raise funds for The Salvation Army through a virtual red kettle fundraising page.
The lineup has incorporated a variety of artists from different genres including:
• Pivotal Awakening, a Michiganbased contemporary Christian alternative rock/pop band
• Jukebox Paradox, a classic rock group specializing in live band karaoke
• Birds of Prey, a bluegrass-influenced band
• The Corduroy Job, a progressive band blending elements of funk, rock, hip hop and blues
• Drew de Four, a singer-songwriter, dueling pianist and humanist pop musician
• Wisteria, classic and modern rock group dabbling in Motown, country, pop and original music
• Fritts and Chips, an energetic duo offering an eclectic selection of hits
• The Eastern Michigan Divisional Band Ensemble
Rock the Red Kettle is presented by 94.7 WCSX and 101.1 WRIF.
“The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has cancelled annual events, shifted fundraising efforts and devastated so many of our neighbors,” said Major Timothy Meyer, Eastern Michigan general secretary and metro Detroit area commander. “Rock the Red Kettle’s virtual structure allows The Salvation Army to continue holding events and raising funds to support our neighbors in need. Despite a lack of red kettles, the community can still get involved from the comfort and safety of their own home.”
The Salvation Army’s 2020 Red Kettle Campaign fundraising goal in Detroit is $8 million. In addition to donating to a band’s virtual red kettle, the organization’s supporters have donated through text, by phone and check, and online at the division’s website.
