MILWAUKEE — Christmas bells will be ringing on Friday at the Milwaukee Public Market — and it comes with a special twist.
Local celebrities will ring bells to support The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Campaign. The annual campaign raises money for dozens of programs and services in Milwaukee County and also serves as a friendly competition between different local celebrities.
Among this year’s celebrities are Spectrum News 1’s very own meteorologist Brooke Brighton and morning news anchor Megan Carpenter. It’s the duo’s second year partaking in the event.
As part of the event, Brighton and Carpenter will be outside the public market on Friday, Dec. 9, taking donations in person for one hour, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
However, you can also donate to their “celebrity kettle” any time by visiting the Salvation Army website and selecting “Brooke Brighton/Megan Carpenter (Spectrum News 1)”.”
You can also text “celebrity” to 24365 to bring up the online donation page.
HOLIDAY THREAD 🧵 🎄: @SpectrumNews1WI’s @MegCarpenterTV and I will be participating in @SAmilwaukee’s "Celebrity Bell Ringing Day". We will be ringing bells outside of the @MKEPublicMarket on Friday, December 9 from 4-5PM. There are 3 ways you can donate to this cause… (1/X) pic.twitter.com/RZ3Smz4xQv
— Brooke Brighton (@BrookeBrighton) December 1, 2022
This year’s goal is to raise $4 million in total.
It will go toward supporting programs such as Feed The Kids summer meals program, the Toy Shop program, the Backpack and School Supplies program, Coats for Kids, Christmas Family Feast and the Emergency Lodge homeless shelter.
Other celebrities taking part in this year’s event include TMJ4’s Elaine Rojas-Castillo and Andrea Albers, WISN’s Gerron Jordan and Diana Gutiérrez, FOX6’s Carl Deffenbaugh and Derica Williams, and many others.
Celebrity bell ringing by the Salvation Army first started 2013. In 2014, they added the friendly competition component. Those who raise the most money receive a traveling trophy and recognition at the Salvation Army’s volunteer luncheon.
Last year, Brighton and Carpenter placed second in the competition, but said this year, they’re aiming for first.
The Milwaukee Public Market celebrity bell ringing event will kickoff at 11 a.m. and run until 7 p.m. on Dec. 10, 2022.