On Dec. 8, both mayors went out to ring the bell for The Salvation Army in the highly anticipated annual mayor challenge between Bryan and College Station. The mayors went out on Saturday to ring for one hour at their prospective Walmart stores within their city. Although it was cold and rainy, warmth was in the hearts of local citizens as they gave to the kettles of their mayor.
The City of Bryan went into the competition as the reigning champion for the past 11 years. College Station citizens showed up determined at the kettle stands that this would in fact be their year. In 2017, $4,894 was raised between the two mayors in just one hour during the Mayor Ring Off; $1,320 by Mayor Mooney of College Station and $3,574 by Mayor Nelson of Bryan. Both mayors reiterated during their time at the kettle stands on Saturday that they hoped their city would come out on top this year; however, The Salvation Army is the true winner as the donations collected go towards year-round programs that help citizens across Brazos County that were in need of services.
“I love raising money for The Salvation Army,” says Nelson. “We appreciate all that you do for our community. Both the cities are coming together in a spirit of mutual appreciation for what The Salvation Army does in both of our cities.”
For Mooney, the competition is all about giving back to the community.
“The Mayor competition is a friendly competition between the two cities,” says Mooney. “The goal is to support The Salvation Army and to help provide for some of our less fortunate families and individuals here in the Brazos Valley.”
After counting what was raised in the kettles with addition to the online donations made in honor of the two Mayors, the totals of the 12th Annual Mayor Ring Off are in. For 2018, a grand total of $6,606.90 was collected. Mayor Nelson of Bryan collected $4,191.40 while Mayor Mooney collected $2,415.50, making this year’s winner for the 12th year in a row the City of Bryan.
The Salvation Army of Bryan College Station says they would like to thank everyone who participated at the kettle stands, behind the scenes, and those who contributed donations. Donations to the Red Kettle Campaign can still be made at kettles near you around the area through Dec. 24. Volunteers are still needed during that time as well. Those interested can go to www.salvationarmybcs.org to sign up.
