November 13, 2018

Mayor competes against neighboring cities for donations

Golden Bell at stake in Mayors’ Red Kettle Challenge

SACHSE (November 13, 2018) That tinkling bell you hear in Sachse is a reminder that the Salvation Army is raising funds for the needy during the holiday season, and it’s also a pleasant-sounding plea from Mayor Mike Felix to help him win the Golden Bell.    

                The Mayor is competing against Rowlett Mayor Tammy Dana-Bashian and Garland Mayor Lori Barnett Dodson for the award, given to the Mayor representing the city with the highest total raised in the Salvation Army’s Mayors’ Red Kettle Challenge.

                The contest runs from now until Saturday, Dec. 1, when Mayor Felix will be asking for donations in front of the entrance to the Walmart Supercenter, 8015 Woodbridge Pkwy., from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. 

                Donors who want to help Mayor Felix win the Golden Bell may make donations now using a PayPal account or a credit card at the secure online portal https://give.salvationarmyusa.org/fundraiser/1770910.

                “The generosity of Sachse residents has always been extremely evident when neighbors are in need,” said the Mayor.  “When our neighbors were victimized by a tornado a few years ago, or when Hurricane Harvey hit the Texas coast, Sachse residents opened up their hearts and pocketbooks to offer their sentiments and their financial support.”

                Tornado damage to residents in Rowlett and Garland prompted residents to provide funds for those affected, and some Sachse residents readily offered their labor and personal resources to assist in the aftermath.

                When the hurricane hit the City of Rockport, Mayor Felix contacted his informal coalition of Sachse pastors and asked for their help in raising funds for the coastal city’s residents.  In a matter of two weekends, the group raised $10,000 in $50 gift cards, which were packaged and sent to Rockport. 

                The cards were distributed through churches and other organizations to those who could use the assistance.  The box containing the cards has been repurposed to hold similar offers of assistance to affected communities in a “pay it forward” gesture.

                “Generosity is in the DNA of Sachse residents, and I know that, whether or not we win the Golden Bell, the donations for people helped by the Salvation Army will come from the hearts of our residents,” he said.