The Salvation Army of the Midlands Christmas Kickoff Event

Salvation Army Major Leigh Ann Craddock; Mayor Daniel Rickenmann; Salvation Army Major Mark Craddock; W. Thomas Smith Jr.; Jonathan Gandolfo (representing JTs Automotive Group; and Tyler Baldwin (Red Kettle Campaign Advisory Board, Chairman)

On Monday, November 21, the Salvation Army of the Midlands officially kicked off its annual Red Kettle Campaign with an event held on the front steps of the South Carolina State House. The event was attended by the Mayor of Columbia, Daniel Rickenmann, and featured Christmas carols performed by the Benedict College gospel choir under the direction of Choir Director, Kabra Benford.

Col. W. Thomas Smith Jr. was awarded the inaugural Salvation Army Bell-Ringer Commendation Award.

Representing JTs Automotive Group, Jonathan Gandolfo, presented Salvation Army Major Mark Craddock a check for $150,000.

Watch out for the red kettles around the Midlands during the holiday season, and if you have trouble finding one, you can always follow the sound of the ringing bell.

Alternatively, you can donate here.

The video below features some of the comments that Col. W. Thomas Smith Jr. made about the Red Kettle Campaign.