By: Brad Rowland

Each year, Commissioner Kenneth Hodder, USA National Commander of The Salvation Army, brings a challenge to officers, soldiers, employees, community supporters, to raise more funding than he can over a four-hour period while standing at a Salvation Army kettle. The 2022 edition of The National Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge took place on Friday, December 9, with the national goal to raise $1.5 million. In doing so, it brought engagement, entertainment, and a bit of friendly competition for the good of The Salvation Army and the individuals and families served by the organization.

Commissioner Hodder was under the weather on the day of the festivities, but Commissioner Jolene Hodder, National President of Women’s Ministries, stepped into the role, raising more than $5,000 over four hours. All told, more than 600 individual kettle locations participated across the country. The results were staggering. The final fundraising total was $3,064,155.56, more than doubling the original goal.

Six of the top ten locations in the country came from the USA Southern Territory, including the top three. The winner of the challenge was Captain Ken Chapman of Orlando (FL) Area Command who raised $356,707.67. Major Rob Webb of Houston (TX) Area Command followed with $223,104.29, and Captain Jeremiah Romack of Kerrville (TX) Kroc Center raising$205,875.41, finishing in the second and third place, respectively. Captain Romack and the Kerrville Kroc Center also raised the highest percentage of any location’s season-long kettle goal at 205.9% of funds raised.

For additional details, please visit the official site of the National Commander’s 2022 Red Kettle Challenge.

For additional details, please visit the official site of the National Commander’s 2022 Red Kettle Challenge.