Animatronic Innovator Garner Holt to Keynote The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Kickoff

Garner Holt, the savvy entrepreneur and founder of his Redlands-based company, creates gateways to realms of imagination, artistry.Photo byGarner Holt

“We are delighted to have Garner Holt as our keynote speaker for this year’s Red Kettle Kickoff,” said Major Isaias Braga, Commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino.

REDLANDS, CALIF.— Renowned animatronic creator Garner Holt will deliver the keynote address at the kickoff event for The Salvation Army’s 2024 Red Kettle campaign. The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated through the joy of caring and sharing, made real thanks to the ringing of those silver bells.

The ringing of the Silver Bells this year begins with The Red Kettle Kickoff on Tuesday, November 12^th at 5:30 p.m. at the Bear Springs Events Center, 27923 Highland Avenue, Highland, CA 92346.

[caption id="attachment_8597" align="aligncenter" width="550"]Earl Perkins Rings the bells to raise funds for The Salvation Army to help the Hungry, Homeless and Hopeless this holiday season. Donations may always be made online at SBCSVA.org.[/caption]

The nationally recognized shiny Red Kettles are integral to the Christmas scene. In keeping with the season's spirit, people donate money each year to aid needy families, seniors, and people experiencing homelessness.

Garner Holt, the savvy entrepreneur and founder of his Redlands-based company, creates gateways to realms of imagination, artistry, and technical wizardry. The company’s experienced industry experts produce unmatched, proven-quality creations, including the world’s finest and most lifelike animatronic figures, designs for themed attractions, museums, retail and restaurant locations, and more.

The firm’s Creative Design division team of artists, writers, sculptors, model makers, and other creatives lends their talents to projects, big or small. Garner Holt’s world-class design services have provided clients around the world with memorable displays for theme parks, museums, shopping centers, and fairgrounds.

“I am glad to present my company’s story at this year's kickoff. Our creative success has always been a community effort. I’m looking forward to sharing what we do every day from San Francisco to Singapore and Anaheim to Amsterdam,” says Holt.

[caption id="attachment_9168" align="aligncenter" width="550"]Photo Caption: Advisory Board Chair Cindy Amrine. “Please donate money or volunteer a few hours to help our neighbors in need.”[/caption]

“Holt is one of many volunteers who donate their time, energy, and money to this annual event. Bell ringers ring two hours at a time, and groups are asked to provide ringers who can work in shifts for an entire day,” said Advisory Board Chair Cindy Amrine. “Anyone wanting to donate a few hours can volunteer.”

“We are delighted to have Garner Holt as our keynote speaker for this year’s Red Kettle Kickoff,” said Major Isaias Braga, Commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino.

In 2022-2023 The Salvation Army served 26,013 People, 24,012 households that included 110,768 meals and 12,822 households receiving groceries. The Hospitality House provided 34,761 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness; 2,146 at-risk children participated in educational and recreational programs.

Donations from the Red Kettles help make Christmas a wonderful experience for needy children and families. Funds raised provide holiday food baskets for around 500 local families. A Christmas dinner takes place, historically providing a delicious meal to about 200 people.

“Last Christmas, The Salvation Army provided 650 holiday food baskets to families, and 1,400 children received 5,500toys,” said Major Braga.

The Salvation Army begins ringing its bells this year on Friday, November 16, from 10:00 a.m. through 6:00 p.m. and continues Monday through Saturday until Christmas Eve.

[caption id="attachment_9169" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]Photo caption: Stater Bros. Markets CEO Pete Van Helden delivered the keynote address at The Salvation Army 2023 Red Kettle Kickoff.[/caption]

The Salvation Army of San Bernardino serves the cities of Bloomington, Calimesa, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Muscoy, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino, and Yucaipa, as well as the mountain communities of Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs.

Red Kettle Kickoff tickets can be purchased online at https://give-sc.salvationarmy.org/event/the-salvation-army-or-san-bernardino-red-kettle-kick-off/e429128/register/new/select-tickets

Donations may always be made online at SBCSVA.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY for local information call (909) 792-6868. Donors may drop off turkeys, hams, other food, cash, or gift cards at the Salvation Army’s Corps Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands, California, 92373.

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Citadel

The Salvation Army provides many emergency services, including food, lodging for homeless or displaced families, clothing and furniture, assistance with rent or mortgage, and transportation when funds are available.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church that offers evangelical programs for boys, girls, and adults. One of the world’s largest charitable and international service organizations, The Salvation Army has existed since 1865 and in San Bernardino since 1888, supporting those in need without discrimination. To learn more about the local Salvation Army, go to SanBernardino.SalvationArmy.org. Our local number is (909) 792-6868.

Photo Caption: Majors Isaias & Wife Adelma Braga, Commanders of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino, welcome donors to last year's Red Kettle Kickoff.