The Salvation Army kicks off Red Kettle season with ICON Park

Donation Rotation starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26

ORLANDO, Fla. (Nov. 23, 2022) — Red Kettle season is upon us, and ICON Park is joining hands once again with The Salvation Army by bringing awareness of the Red Kettle campaign for its annual kickoff event on Saturday, Nov. 26. During the kickoff, community members can learn about the purpose of the Red Kettle and how it addresses housing and hunger issues all while providing hope. Each time money goes into a red kettle, be it in person or virtual, The Salvation Amy’s reach is expanded, and lives are changed. 

For the Red Kettle kickoff, Captain Ken Chapman, Area Commander for The Salvation Army will ride The Wheel at ICON Park for 10 hours. In his fifth year of riding The Wheel at ICON Park, Captain Chapman remains dedicated to creative initiatives to further connect The Salvation Army, community partners, and residents.

“We are on a mission to further educate our community on all the things Red Kettle provides. It is indeed a powerful movement to be a part of,” said Captain Ken Chapman, Area Commander, The Salvation Army. “When you give to the Red Kettle, you are literally positioning individuals and families to be able to have food, shelter, and the hope needed to keep pushing forward,” he said. 

ICON Park will support the efforts of The Salvation Army by waiving the ticket cost for all guests who wish to take the 20-minute ride with Captain Chapman. Guests can instead donate the cost of the admission ticket to the Red Kettle Campaign. Additionally, ICON Park will donate a dollar for every ticket it sells during the Red Kettle Kickoff event to The Salvation Army for riders who choose not to ride with Captain Chapman.

“As part of our continued support of the Central Florida community, ICON Park is excited to host Captain Chapman and the entire Salvation Army family,” said Gregory Fornadel, Manager of Strategic Partnerships and Community Engagement, ICON Park. “The Donation Rotation has become a staple of our holiday season and our guests look forward to it every year.”

The Red Kettle kickoff event is free and open to the public. Attendees can enjoy live Christmas music from The Salvation Army Band, photo opportunities with local celebrities and mascots, The Wheel and ICON Park’s featured restaurants. The kickoff begins at 11 a.m.

Contribute to a Red Kettle near you this holiday season. For more information, visit salvationarmyorlando.org.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army annually helps more than 23 million Americans overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from drug and alcohol abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at 7,600 centers of operation around the country. In the first-ever listing of “America’s Favorite Charities” by The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Salvation Army ranked as the country’s largest privately funded, direct-service nonprofit. For more information, visit www.salvationarmyorlando.org or www.salvationarmyosceola.org. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram and TikTok @salarmyorlando or @salarmyosceola and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/salvationarmyorlando or www.facebook.com/salvationarmyosceola.

About ICON Park

ICON Park is a 20-acre, open-air, gate-free entertainment destination with plenty of fun adventures for the whole family. The perfect place to ride, dine, drink, and explore.

Located in the heart of the Orlando Entertainment District, ICON Park offers more than 50 amazing restaurants, funky bars, boutique shops, and can’t-miss attractions, all anchored by The Wheel, a jaw-dropping observation wheel that stands 400 feet – 40 stories – in the air.

Visit other attractions including SEA LIFE Orlando Aquarium, Madame Tussauds Orlando and Museum of Illusions Orlando. ICON Park also offers a diverse mix of restaurants for lunch, dinner and late-night bites that satisfy a wide variety of flavors and cuisine. Find a unique collection of shopping and dining kiosks and explore each location as you stroll under the festoon lights along the brick promenade.

Enjoy free parking and park admission. Learn more at ICONParkOrlando.com.

Media Contact: Will Wellons, Wellons Communications, 407-462-2718, will@wellonscommunications.com