During the final week of Salvation Army bell ringing, President Jay was accompanied by his granddaughter, Bella.
Kayla Mudge and Logan Harper were creative in their costumes for ringing the bell and were accompanied by Logan's fiancé, Taylor Adams.
– For over 20 years, the Mesa West Rotary has proudly participated in the Salvation Army’s iconic bell ringing campaign throughout the month of December. This beloved annual red kettle tradition, which began in 1891, serves as the Salvation Army’s major fundraiser, helping to support vital community programs for those in need. This year marks another exciting season as we continue our tradition of ringing the bell every day starting on Black Friday in November, extending our commitment for over 20 years, said Don LaBargea Club Rotarian since 1995 and who has led the project for every year since 2010.
"We are incredibly grateful to the Bass Pro Shop for allowing us to set up our red kettle on their premises since their opening in 2007
in Mesa. Their support has been instrumental in making our red kettle drive the largest revenue-generating kettle in the Southwest."
LaBarge said.
in Mesa. Their support has been instrumental in making our red kettle drive the largest revenue-generating kettle in the Southwest."
LaBarge said.
Mesa West President GE (Jay) Paulus shared a heartwarming story from this season: "a woman approached us with a desire to make a contribution in the kettle by personal check. When asked whom to address her check to, we said the Salvation Army. Her generous donation was astounding, in the thousand's of dollars, showcasing the incredible spirit of generosity in our Mesa community."
As we ring the bells, we encourage children to join in the holiday magic by explaining from the movie, "Its Wonderful Life" that “every time a bell rings, an angel gets its wings.” The joy on their faces when they ring the bell is a cherished reminder of the true reason for the season.
We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Bass Pro Shop for their generosity and support, as well as to all of our community members for their continued contributions to the Salvation Army. Together, we are making a significant impact and spreading hope to those in need during this holiday season.