Cities, chambers compete in Salvation Army ringing contest

The city of Columbia Falls will defend its bell-ringing prowess on Thursday during the second annual battle of the bells to raise money for the Salvation Army.

Columbia Falls raised the most money — $1,909.11 — last year during the red-kettle battle of the bells. Evergreen came in second at $1,724.20.

The cities of Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls, plus Chamber of Commerce organizations in Evergreen, Bigfork and Lakeside, will ring the bells Thursday for the Salvation Army’s red-kettle campaign at area retail businesses to see which community can raise the most money for the charity.

Ringing will commence at about 10 a.m. and continues until 6 p.m.

There are bragging rights at stake, but more importantly, the communities are all pitching in to raise money to allow the Salvation Army to help needy people, according to Salvation Army Director of Development Bob Blake.

“Last year the combined effort of all six contestants raised almost $7,000, which represents close to a 450 percent increase over what normal kettle [collections] would produce,” Blake said.

Contestants will ring bells at these locations:

• City of Columbia Falls — Smith’s Grocery in Columbia Falls.

• Evergreen Chamber of Commerce — Super 1 Foods in Evergreen.

• Bigfork Chamber of Commerce — Harvest Foods in Bigfork.

• City of Whitefish — Super 1 Foods in Whitefish.

• City of Kalispell — Smith’s Grocery in Kalispell.

• Lakeside Chamber of Commerce — Blacktail Grocery in Lakeside.

The winner will receive a traveling trophy.

The Salvation Army uses the kettle collections to provide a variety of services to those who need food, clothing and emergency assistance. Its mission is to meet human needs without discrimination.