Last year, 10 local businesses and organizations competed in Kettle Wars by designing their own unique kettles and displaying them during Holiday in the City in downtown Springfield. For two hours, the businesses and organizations rang a bell to attract people to vote for their displays by donating money. The competition raised over $3,000 for the Springfield Salvation Army, Ray said.
Due to the pandemic, Holiday in the City was canceled in early August.
To continue the tradition, Kettle Wars will be an “online war of sorts" where businesses, children and adults are encouraged to create a kettle online and “challenge” others to see who can raise the most money, Ray explained.
There will be three “arenas to battle in,” Ray said.
Businesses will challenge each other for a chance to win a Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken party pack that feeds up to 30 people and two billboards for four weeks. Children 17 and younger will compete for a chance to win $250 in cash and five Kings Island Gold Season Passes. Adults will compete for a chance to win “12 months of Christmas” - a prize for each month. Prizes could include a one night stay and dinner at Simon Kenton Inn or a day at Young’s Jersey Dairy, Ray said.
All winners will receive a trophy and recognition on social media, he added.
The competition is open Nov. 2 through Dec. 22.
“We’re doing this because the need is great," Ray said.
He added, “We are forecasting the need to be up about 155 percent."
As the need increases, Ray explained that fundraising is expected to decrease - making Kettle Wars more than vital.
“We project our Red Kettle Campaign to be about 50 percent of what it was last year," Ray said. "If that’s the case, we’re talking about a $50,000 dip.”
The money raised from Kettle Wars will go to several of the Springfield Salvation Army’s programs including the Christmas campaign, at-risk youth programs, utility assistance, rent assistance, mortgage assistance and food assistance.
Ray said he hopes this “friendly competition” will inspire businesses and residents to challenge each other. He told the News-Sun that Global Impact STEM Academy is already planning to challenge other schools.
“Clearly, I think people feel it and know it, that the need in Clark County is rising," Ray said. “This year more than ever we plead with Clark County residents to dig a little deeper and invest in these lives.”
To create a kettle or to donate, visit www.give.salvationarmy.org/campaign/2020-springfield-red-kettle/c297968.
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