NEW YORK, NY (The Salvation Army)-
Sheryl Crow will join the Dallas Cowboys this year in support of one of the world's oldest philanthropic campaigns, The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Christmas Campaign.
In an announcement made today in New York City where Ms. Crow is currently on tour, Jerry Jones, the Cowboys' Owner, said that she will be this year's headline performer during the team's traditional Thanksgiving Day football game at Texas Stadium. This year's game, to be televised nationally by CBS, will be Thursday, Nov. 24 against the Denver Broncos.
"Sheryl Crow is one of the most popular entertainment artists today and we are excited about the opportunity to have her with us on Thanksgiving Day to kick off one of the most important fund-raising drives in America - the Red Kettle Campaign," said Mr. Jones.
The Red Kettle campaign, first begun in San Francisco in 1891, has traditionally been The Salvation Army's most prominent fund-raiser. In 2004, the campaign raised over $100 million in communities nationwide, with the nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars all remaining in the towns where the money was deposited into the kettles. The funds raised help support many of the 37 million people in poverty who turn to the Army for food and toys at Christmas, utility and homeless assistance, senior and child care, drug abuse treatment and many other social service needs.
The Cowboy's eight years of support for the Army's Red Kettle charity drive has helped raise nearly $800 million. Past Cowboy game half-time performers have included Destiny's Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gilman, Clint Black and Reba McEntire. In addition to their half-time performance, the entertainers also have been available for media and other appearances on behalf of the Red Kettle campaign.
"I look forward to continuing the wonderful tradition established between The Salvation Army and the Dallas Cowboys. Both organizations help the needy in countless ways, and together, we can raise funds to offer hope to our neighbors in need during the Christmas season and year round," said Ms. Crow.
Major George Hood, national community relations and development secretary for The Salvation Army, said that the Red Kettles and volunteer bell ringers will be on city streets nationwide beginning Thanksgiving Week through Christmas Eve.
"The Cowboys and Sheryl Crow help us to highlight the greatest need of all during the holiday season, and that's to help others in need," Major Hood said.
