Huskers Rodgers, Bahl help raise awareness of annual ‘Kettle Challenge’ weekend

OMAHA, Neb.—On December 19 and 20, The Salvation Army of Omaha held its annual $20 Kettle Challenge at all red kettle locations in the Omaha metro.

“For every $20 contribution to The Salvation Army this weekend, that contribution will be matched by generous donors," said executive director of development Jeff Beckman.

Two Big Red celebrities brought their star power to Scheels in west Omaha to help boost excitement for the fundraising event.  Nebraska softball pitcher and two-time Women’s College World Series champion Jordy Bahl helped ring bells and signed autographs there on the 19th.  The next day, Nebraska football legend Johnny Rodgers signed autographs and greeted fans inside the store.

"I choose Salvation Army because they help people who really need help, and they've been around a long time,” Rodgers said.

"I love The Salvation Army and always have,” Bahl said.  “It's a great organization.  What they do is amazing.

"Growing up, it was a tradition.  My family, every year, would pick a kettle and go ring bells as a family together.  So, it was special to be back out doing that tonight."

Their presence had an impact that kettle challenge sponsor Dr. Joann Schaefer recognized.  Schaefer is the CEO of CIRV Healthcare Consulting.

"We wanted to make a large donation in order to stimulate people coming in and giving their twenty dollars,” she said.  “I really understand the need in this community, and we wanted to get people out this big shopping weekend and have them have a reason to give."

Boomer Radio was also on-site Friday.

"I showed up at 9:30 this morning, and people were coming in in droves,” said Autumn Prante, who is the promotions director at Walnut Media, which owns Boomer.  “So the partnership between Scheels and The Salvation Army and Boomer was really well orchestrated to have busy foot traffic."

Beckman reminded that proceeds from the kettle challenge go toward Christmas assistance programs, food, and material assistance programs – and helping the homeless.

"People really find a satisfaction in giving that you can't find anywhere else in life,” he said.  “So many times, we are caught up in the accumulation of goods.  But when you give, and you give to good causes, there's a feeling of satisfaction that just can't be measured."