ARLINGTON, Texas, Nov. 23, 2017 – Multi-Platinum selling and Academy of Country Music “Male Vocalist of the Year” Thomas Rhett took the stage at AT&T Stadium. He is kicking off The Salvation Army’s 127th annual Red Kettle Campaign with a LIVE, nationally televised halftime performance during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the Los Angeles Chargers, to air on CBS.
“It’s really cool to be part of this Thanksgiving tradition that’s also been part of my family for as long as I can remember,” said Thomas Rhett. “And this year will be really special because they’re here with me for the game.”
The iconic campaign officially begins with Thomas Rhett’s LIVE halftime performance and the inaugural Red Kettle donation from the Gene and Jerry Jones family, owners of the Dallas Cowboys. Since teaming up in 1997, The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys have collaborated to raise nearly $2.2 billion for the Red Kettle Campaign, which provides America’s most vulnerable with food, shelter and other support throughout the year. Thomas Rhett will join a star-studded list of past performers: Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Selena Gomez, Kenny Chesney, Enrique Iglesias, Keith Urban, Daughtry, Jonas Brothers, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny’s Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Creed, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gilman, Clint Black, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.
“Thomas Rhett is an incredible performer with a generous, positive spirit that matches up well with The Salvation Army’s mission. We are proud to lend our national stage to yet another incredible artist to kick off the campaign,” said Charlotte Jones Anderson, executive vice president and chief brand officer for the Dallas Cowboys and former national advisory chairperson for The Salvation Army. “The Salvation Army holds a special place in my heart, our family, the Cowboys organization and our team. We look forward to working together to bring about lasting change in the lives of those in vulnerable, uncertain circumstances.”
“For more than 20 years, the Dallas Cowboys have helped us Do the Most Good, and this year they’re helping us Fight for Good with their continued support and incredible awareness throughout our most critical fundraising season,” said Lt. Col. Ron Busroe, national community relations and development secretary for The Salvation Army. “With a strong partner and a memorable kickoff, we’re excited to see the good this year’s Red Kettle Campaign has in store.”
Red Kettle Kickoff is just the beginning of an exciting holiday season for The Salvation Army. This year, The Salvation Army has issued a call for action as the holiday season approaches. As one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the country – with a presence in every ZIP code and a structure akin to the military – The Salvation Army is asking supporters to join the Fight for Good, the official theme of the 2017 Red Kettle Campaign.