Check out the live stream of Pastor Nickrand's attempt at http://new.livestream.com/accounts/1709614/events/1673777?query=Bill&cat=event
On Thursday, November 29 at noon (CST), Rev. Billy Nickrand will compete against last year's bell ringing record for the longest continuous hand bell ringing by an individual. The contestants will seek to raise awareness for The Salvation Army's 121st Red Kettle Campaign and support the Mission of The Salvation Army in serving people in need. Rev. Billy Nickrand will set an official Salvation Army record for 2012 when he surpasses the 60 hour record set in 2011.
"There is great need in this world and even though I might not have lots of resources I can give of myself in hopes to better our community and to touch lives through the Red Kettle Campaign and encourage everyone to ring a bell or give this Christmas to help their neighbor," said Rev. Billy Nickrand , Pastor of Door Village United Methodist Church in LaPorte, IN. "Yes, (with a grin and bit of laughter) people might think I am crazy and for good reason but I think it is important for our community to continue to reach out to those in need and the need is great. Plus, I think it will be a lot of fun for everyone involved."
Rev. Billy Nickrand will be standing outside the LaPorte Kroger (located at 55 Pine Lake Avenue) and will be live streaming his record attempt on the Door Village UMC FaceBook page. Make sure to tune in or come by and support him as Rev. Billy will be doing improv, dancing, comedy, guest appearances and sharing inspirational words on the hour every hour. To break the record, Rev. Billy Nickrand must follow several rules that will push him mentally and physically during his attempt. His goal is to raise $5,000 through this effort.
Rules include: 1. Participants must stand the entire time. 2. Participants may not eat. 3. Participants may drink hydration products only such as water, Gatorade or juice. 4. Participants must ring a bell at all times. 5. Participants only may use a bathroom once every 4 hours, during a ten minute break.
Last year, two volunteers from Indianapolis, crushed the 2010 record of 36 hours by ringing for an amazing 60 hours. Rev. Billy Nickrand sees the 60 hours as a daunting task and is hoping for an outpouring of community support to help him through this challenge.
"The Salvation Army of LaPorte is honored that Pastor Billy has offered to do this," comments Greg Irwin, local Corps Administrator and Pastor. "It really gives us a look in to the heart of this young man as his stalwart effort to bring attention to the great need in our community reflects the true meaning of Christmas. It is a time when we as a community come together and reach out to those less fortunate among us with the unconditional love that the babe in the manger represents. Jesus, by example, taught us what it means to be a servant leader. Pastor Billy has dedicated his life to following in His Saviors footsteps by not just serving his church and his community, but by serving them well; with enthusiasm and excellence. Let's get out and support him in this monumental endeavor!" exhorts Greg.
The Salvation Army of LaPorte is located at 3240 Monroe Avenue. If you would like to donate or volunteer with this effort contact Jari Troth at 219-326-5342. You can find out more about our local efforts at http://salaporte.org
The Red Kettle Campaign is the longest running fundraiser of its kind and was started as a fundraiser by Salvation Army Captain Joseph McPhee in San Francisco in 1891. Since that time, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable campaigns in the United States. As part of the campaign, more than 25,000 Salvation Army workers and volunteers spread throughout the country to ring bells daily and solicit spare change donations to the iconic red kettles from holiday shoppers. In 2011, the campaign collected more than $147.6 million nationwide; a new record supported by the public's nickels, dimes, quarters, dollars, credit cards and helped The Salvation Army serve 30 million people in communities where the money was raised.
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for more 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar The Salvation Army spends is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.