On Friday November 18^th, The Salvation Army of Metro Detroit kicked off its 2011 Red Kettle Campaign at Campus Martius Park. Quicken Loans is the proud sponsor of the 2011 World’s Tallest Red Kettle, and CEO Bill Emerson is serving as the honorary Red Kettle corporate chairman. That evening, Campus Martius Park was filled with hundreds of smiling faces and families seated around the ice skating rink and stage.The evening started with a warm welcome by Diana Lewis of WXYZ-TV7 and The Salvation Army Brass Brand.

(Above Quicken Loans CEO Bill Emerson, Col. Strissel, Mayor Dave Bing, Detroit Redwings Kris Draper,  along with Sandra Campbell, and Major Anderson of The Salvation Army)

Shortly after Bill Emerson joined Mayor Dave Bing, Kris Draper of the Detroit Red Wings, and Major Anderson on stage to explain the importance of the Red Kettle Campaign, and countdown to the ‘World’s Tallest Red Kettle’ Lighting. The switch was flipped and the 56ft tall kettle at the south end of Campus Martius Park was illuminated by its 25,000 lights. This was a very special kettle lighting for the Salvation Army, as they celebrated their 125^th year anniversary.
Quicken Loans was recognized by the Salvation Army in late October with the “Doing the Most Good” Award.  Quicken Loans is excited to continue their commitment to The Salvation Army throughout the holiday season. Quicken Loans will support the Red Kettle Campaign by placing kettles in the Compuware Building, Chase Building, and Madison Building allowing team members and visitors to donate as often as they would like, hosting a holiday sock-drive, assisting with Celebrity Bell Ringing around Metro Detroit, along with having dozens of team members out at Salvation Army volunteer events during the month of December.

For more information of the Salvation Army, and the Red Kettle Campaign please click here.