State Rep. Whit Betts, Sen.-Elect Martin and Rep.-Elect Pavalock Ring Bells for Salvation Army
Hartford, CT – State Representative Whit Betts (R-Bristol, Plymouth) was joined by State Senator-Elect Henri Martin (R-Bristol) and State Representative-Elect Cara Pavalock (R-Bristol) as the group participated in the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. In the time-honored tradition of ringing the bells for donations, they collected $164.71 as they greeted holiday shoppers during the hour-long event on Monday December 22nd at Walmart located at 1400 Farmington Avenue, Bristol, CT. Walmart plans to match the donation, raising the total to $329.42.
“I am so moved and inspired by the generosity of the people in our community,” said Rep. Betts, who wore a festive singing Christmas hat to get the attention of passersby. “I want to thank each and every person who stopped by and gave from the heart. No donation is too small. People in our community are hurting and with the generous dollar-for-dollar match by Walmart, the money donated will go a long way to helping those in need.”
“We are so grateful to the greater Bristol community for coming out to support the Salvation Army,” Sen-elect Martin said. “Many families in our region will be helped by the generosity that was shown.”
“It was an honor to participate in an event that will support such a worthy cause,” added Rep.-Elect Pavalock. “I’ve heard from a lot of people in our greater community that their money just isn’t going as far as it used to. There is a real need out there, and I am grateful to the Salvation Army for its continued support of the residents in our greater community, not just at the holidays, but throughout the year.”
Betts, Martin, and Pavalock were joined by Salvation Army Captain Charles Adams, Commanding Officer of the Bristol Corps, along with Salvation Army members Craig Morgan and his son, Paul Morgan.
Jim Gordon, Director of Public Relations & Marketing for The Salvation Army in Southern New England, applauded Representative Whit Betts (R-Bristol, Plymouth), Senator-Elect Henri Martin (R-Bristol) and Representative-Elect Cara Pavalock (R-Bristol) for their efforts.
“I want to thank our Republican legislators for their enthusiasm and hard work. The Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign is an important fundraiser in our community. Our legislators, Walmart, and our donors are contributing to an extremely worthy cause. Each and every donation goes a long way to support our neighbors throughout the year,” said Gordon.
The Red Kettle Campaign collects donations from Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Funds raised go to local Salvation Army centers and help provide holiday dinners, clothing and toys for families in need. Funding sometimes stretches beyond the holiday season and donations can provide aid for families, seniors and the homeless throughout the year.
The Salvation Army operates 7,546 centers in communities across the United States. These include food distribution, disaster relief, rehabilitation centers, anti-human trafficking efforts, and a wealth of children’s programs. The Red Kettle Campaign began in 1891 and raises millions of dollars each year during the holiday season.
Rep. Betts, Rep. Pavalock and Sen. Martin took the oath of office during the opening day of the General Assembly on Wednesday, January 7, 2015. The 2015 legislative session will run through Wednesday, June 3rd.
For more information on the program visit: www.salvationarmyusa.org.
###