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'Metal In The Kettle' Fundraiser Brings In $24K For Salvation Army

DETROIT (WWJ) - Employees from around downtown Detroit, along with the general public, came out in droves on Wednesday to take part in the second annual Salvation Army Red Kettle fundraiser, this year dubbed "Metal in the Kettle."

This effort raised $24,138.81 to aid the Salvation Army's efforts on behalf of the needy; compared with about $15,000 in 2012.

"The goal is as much money as we can collect," said Jeff Eisenstadt, President of Title Source,  dressed as a gingerbread man, as he manned one of the red kettles.

He and the heads of other Quicken Loans companies competed to see which would raise the most money.

"It makes us think about those who are more in need; being able to support those that have the most need — not only this time of year, but throughout the year."

A single donation from one Quicken company totaled more than $6,000.

"We're out here raising money for the Salvation Army, and we like to have a little bit of fun with it; try not to take ourselves too seriously," said Quicken Loans CEO Bill Emerson, dressed as a big, pink bunny, like Ralph in "A Christmas Story."

"I love that movie. It's my favorite Christmas movie, and I thought I would kinda dress up, kinda like a crazy person," he said.

The Salvation Army's overall 2013 fundraising goal is $8.5 million.

[To learn more about the Red Kettle Campaign or to donate online, visit this link].

Salvation Army -- Metal in the Kettle fundrsr [Detroit] 12-18-13 015
(credit: Pat Sweeting/WWJ)
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