The Salvation Army of Elkhart Announces, 'Red Kettle Affair: Masquerade for Hope' Gala Fundraiser on October 23

The Salvation Army of Elkhart will host its annual fundraising gala, the Red Kettle Affair: Masquerade for Hope, on Friday, October 23, 2026. Doors open and the silent auction begins at 5:30 p.m. upstairs at the historic The Lerner Crystal Ballroom, located at 410 S. Main St. in downtown Elkhart. This elegant, masquerade-themed evening serves as the official launchpad for the organization's annual Red Kettle Christmas campaign. The holiday campaign generates roughly half of the Elkhart Corps' annual operational revenue. All funds raised directly support critical year-round emergency assistance programs in the community, including the local food pantry, the Pathway of Hope initiative, senior citizen programming, children's summer camps, and holiday assistance. The "Bidding to Build Hope" event encourages attendees to embrace creativity in their dress and masks. Guests will experience an evening of fellowship featuring exquisite food & refreshments, high-energy auctions, mission update, and live entertainment: an evening concluding with music and dancing.
"A growing number of our community members face ongoing hardships, and the Red Kettle Affair is an opportunity to unmask generosity and provide real, tangible hope," said Ron Sherck, Development Director for the Elkhart Corps. "Every ticket purchased, auction bid placed, or table sponsorship secured directly feeds the hungry, houses the vulnerable, and sends at-risk children to camp right here in Northern Indiana." Individual tickets and corporate table sponsorships are currently available but limited. Community businesses and individuals looking to purchase tickets or register as a sponsor can do so by visiting the official Elkhart Red Kettle Affair Campaign Page https://salarmy.us/ARedKettleAffair or by routing through saelkhart.org.