Rochester Salvation Army Wins National Award for Red Kettle Campaign Fundraising Effort

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News)- The Rochester Salvation Army has received national recognition for its fundraising effort over the holidays. 

See Also: Here is How Old the Typical Home Now is in Rochester 

Community Engagement Director Rebecca Snapp says the Red Kettle Campaign conducted in the Rochester area exceeded its overall fundraising goal of $1.1 million during the holiday season. 

The 2025 campaign included matches from Think Bank and Mayo Clinic. 

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Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign in Rochester Raises Over $1.4 Million

Snapp says the past fundraising effort raised $1,403,324. $462,049 of that total came from the kettles alone. 

“We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to the campaign. Whether you made a donation, rang a bell, or advocated for our clients in some other way, please know what an impact you’ve made and that so many people are going to receive the help they need because of your support,” said Captain Michael Hanton, Corps Officer for The Salvation Army. 

Salvation Army Kettle Stationed in Rochester Sees Most Money Raised in Single Day Nationwide

In addition to raising more than $1.4 million, the Rochester Salvation Army also won the Commander’s Red Kettle Challenge. The award goes to the community that had a kettle that took in the most money on a pre-selected date during the holiday season fundraising effort. 

Snapp said the kettle stationed at the 37th St. NW Hy-Vee store in Rochester raised $84,000, the most raised of any kettle on Dec. 13 in the nation. 

As a reward for winning the challenge, the Rochester Salvation Army will be recognized during this year’s Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game. 

Money raised during the Red Kettle Campaign funds Salvation Army programs such as the Good Samaritan Health Clinic, Castleview Apartments, Transitional Housing, rent and utility assistance, the food shelf and meal program, the day center, youth programs, and more.