Animatronic Innovator Garner Holt to Keynote The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle Kickof
Photo caption: Garner Holt, the savvy entrepreneur and founder of his Redlands-based company, creates gateways to realms of imagination, artistry, and technical wizardry.
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.
Garner Holt Productions is the world’s largest designer and builder of animatronics. Since 1977, they’ve created more than 5,000 animatronic characters for parks and attractions in 36 countries on six continents.
The ringing of the Silver Bells this year begins with The Red Kettle Kickoff on Tuesday, November 12th, at 5:30 pm at the Bear Springs Events Center, 27923 Highland Avenue, Highland, CA 92346.
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. GarnerHolt’ss world-class design services have provided clients worldwide 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 daily from San Francisco to Singapore and Anaheim to Amsterdam”” says Holt.
Photo Caption: Advisory Board Chair Cindy Amrine.““Anyone wanting to donate a few hours can volunteer.”
“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 Amarin.“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 2024, the Salvation Army served 28,201 People in 25,022 households, 113,400 meals, and Groceries in 10,801 households. The Hospitality House provided 35,871 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness. Three thousand five hundred thirteen children participated in educational and recreational programs. 171 households were rapidly rehoused through various deposit and rental assistance programs.
Photo Caption: Earl Perkins rings the bells for the Salvation Army. Donations may always be made online at SBCSVA.org.
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. On Christmas, a Christmas Dinner historically provides a delicious meal to about 200 people.
“Last Christmas, The Salvation Army provided 650 holiday food baskets to families, and 1,400 children received 5,500 toys,” said Major Braga.
The Salvation Army begins ringing its bells this year on Friday, November 16, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and continues Monday through Saturday until Christmas Eve.
Photo caption: Stater Bros. Markets CEO Pete Van Helden delivered the keynote address at The Salvation Army 2023 Red Kettle Kickoff.
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 also drop off turkeys, hams, other food, cash, or gift cards at the SalvatiArmy’sy’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 layear’sr's Red Kettle Kickoff.