Rochester Steps Up: Over $200k Raised in Final Red Kettle Push

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The final fundraising push for the Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign in Rochester raised hundreds of thousands of dollars in a span of two days. 

Get our free mobile app

The large sum of donations were collected on Dec. 22 and 23. The funds soared even higher thanks to a $100,000 match from the Mayo Clinic. 

A Salvation Army Spokeswoman says the two-day effort and Mayo Clinic match raised $239,668.11. $139,668 was dropped into red kettles across the city and donated online. 

We are so grateful to Mayo Clinic for their continued support and for this exceptionally generous gift,” said Major Cornell Voeller, Corps Officer at The Salvation Army, “The Salvation Army’s programs in this community are life changing to those individuals and families utilizing our services. By matching red kettle dollars, Mayo Clinic is helping bring healthcare, housing, and hope to thousands of our neighbors in need.

It was the sixth year in which Mayo has matched gifts. The money donated by the healthcare provider goes towards The Salvation Army’s Good Samaritan Health Clinic, which provides emergency medical, dental, and pharmaceutical services to roughly 3,000 people who are uninsured and under-insured every year. 

The generosity of the Rochester community is truly inspiring,” says Mayo Clinic Chief Communications Officer Halena Gazelka, M.D. “We want to thank everyone who donated to The Salvation Army’s red kettles during the two-day match period. Those dollars will provide critical support and hope to families in need in our community.

The Salvation Army’s clinic also cuts down on emergency room visits, a news release says.  The two organizations are thanking the thousands of people who made the in person and online donations throughout Rochester over the past two days.

More Minnesota News:

• Popular Minnesota Lake Sees Third Ice Rescue This Week
• Charges Detail Brutal Sex Assault of Teen at Rochester Hotel Room
• Pedestrian Fatally Struck by Jeep in Small Minnesota Town