
The Fond du Lac Kindness Campaign
The Fond du Lac Kindness Campaign began as a Gift
The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac knows well how every kind act has the power to lift another up when it's needed most. We turn our iconic Red Kettles a beautiful GOLD each December 1 to help FDL see themselves as we do - a community deeply committed to doing what's right, what's needed, and what's best for each other. It is always kindness that lights the way. The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac Kindness Campaign began in 2024 to focus our community on the good growing in Fond du Lac. It recognizes the people and places growing that good and celebrates them for the following year.
The campaign launched on World Kindness Day (November 13) and asked the community to look for the most impactful examples of kindness that the Christmas season generated. The community lifted 25 powerful examples of kindness - some individually driven, others supported by a small army. Local social influencer Kelly Northlee joined us to share those stories in a campaign that generated 350,000 views across social platforms.
On the final day of World Kindness Month (February), Channel 11 covered the reception during which Keith Heisler, Vice President of Fond du Lac City Council named Fond du Lac's First Ambassadors of Kindness:
- Trisha Klapperich, Klapperich Realty: Community's Overwhelming Choice For Most Inspirational Kind Heart
- Sandy Ritchie, The Diner: Full Menu of Kindness Served Daily, One Of A Kind Experience
- Claudette Rahmer, CC's Chocolates, Treating Every Customer To Kindness
- Leadership Alumni & Envision Greater Fond du Lac: Empty Bowls
- Nick Tiefke (McGrath): Hope on The Block
- Aaron Sadoff, Marian University: Inspiring Everyday with A+ Community Attitude
- Autumn Kastein, Autumn's Closet & Lil Munchkins: Winter Give a Coat/Take a Coat Rack
- Amy Ortega, Marine Credit Union: Warm Up With Marine
- Kristin Zitlow, St. Mary's Springs Academy: Development of Meaningful Student Engagement Opportunities
- Greg Giles, Fond du Lac Area Foundation: Fondy 100 Gives
- Marilyn Drake: Crocheting for Community (at 90 years young!)
- Ali Faris- Helleberg, Faris Gourmet Popcorn & Treats: Christmas Cherry Kettle Corn
- Kaden Bebow: Bebow Family Light Show
- Randy Hopper, Mountain Dog Media: Fond du Lac Christmas Parade of Lights & Bucket Brigade
- Terry Davis, Radio Plus: Fond du Lac Gobblefest and Kettle Campaign Captain
- Cindy Evanoff: Birthday Cakes 4 Kids
- Sarah Sippel, Stel+Shey's: Extraordinary Service with a Smile
- Cheryl Mohr: Exemplary Life of Giving Back
- Steve Wirtz, Steve Wirtz Builders: Building Better Tomorrow by Investing in Community's Kindness Culture
- Jen and Greg Schmitz: Holyland Heat
- The entire team at Odyssey Cinemas and Social: Creating Environment Featuring Kindness On Screen, & Off
- Kindergarten and first grade Girl Scout Troop at St. Mary's Springs Academy: Fostering Kind Hearts In Young People
- Tracy Mathweg, Lillian's: Living Intentionally, Keeping Kindness Always in Style
- Alyssa Hallgren, FDL Cyclery: Shifting Community Into High Kindness Gear By Example
The Spirit Of Christmas Kindness Award
At the event, Trisha Klapperich was presented with The Spirit of Christmas Award. Trisha received overwhelming support & the most engagement from community during the social portion of the Kindness Campaign. It was clear that she is seen as the most inspirational example of kindness in Fond du Lac by her peers.
"Christmas isn't a season, it's an attitude. It's not just a day, its the spirit of giving. The time for joy, for doing kindnesses that lift hearts and lives."
The Kindness Behind The Kindness Campaign
The Salvation Army of Fond du Lac Appreciates the Support for the Kindness Campaign Received from:
- Kelly Northlee & Fondy Famous
- Ryan Gueller & Gueller's Photography
- Odessey Theater
- Congregation of the Sisters of St. Agnes
- Ellison Electric
- Capelle Bros. & Diedrich Inc.
- Silica Plumbing & Heating, Inc.,
- The Osborn Family
- Our Kindness Coach who has a few words just for you