Guinness World Record kicks off kettle season
Written by Julie Borgen, Twin Cities media relations director for The Salvation Army Northern Division
Roseville, Minn. – It’s official: The Salvation Army, Mall of America® and the Handbell Musicians of America have set a new Guinness World Record for the largest handbell ensemble.
It happened Nov. 19 at Mall of America, as 664 handbell musicians from around the country gathered to play an original, five-minute arrangement as Guinness judges watched. They broke the previous world record of 560 set in Japan in 2013. (View our photo album or watch the video below.)
Video
“What an exciting day,” said Jennifer Cauhorn, executive director of the Handbell Musicians of America. “Our members jumped into this challenge and really made us proud today.”
The event kicked off The Salvation Army’s red kettle season in the Twin Cities, as volunteer bell ringers staffed kettles at Mall of America and all Cub stores in the metro area.
“This was a great start to our bell ringing campaign,” said Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, leader of The Salvation Army’s Northern Division. “We hope it reminds people that our volunteer bell ringers are such a key part of The Salvation Army’s success at Christmas time.”
Cub is matching all donations made to red kettles in the Twin Cities Nov. 19, up to $15,000. Shoppers can also round up their bill at any Cub store in the metro area Nov. 19 – 20, and the proceeds will go to The Salvation Army.
Please join The Salvation Army by volunteering or making a donation to support your local community.