The Salvation Army Elgin Corps, one of the largest direct providers of basic human needs in northern Kane County, is kicking off its traditional Christmas red kettle season at 5 p.m. Saturday, Nov.11, 2017, with a VIP Night at the Windy City Bulls game that evening.

The pre-game VIP event at the Sears Centre Arena in Hoffman Estates will feature Chicago Bulls NBA Champion Horace Grant and a display of the six Chicago Bulls NBA championship trophies. The event highlights the program and services provided by The Salvation Army of Elgin and the ceremonial dropping of the first coin of the bellringing season.

Captain Xavier Montenegro, corps officer of The Salvation Army of Elgin, said the organization is thrilled to partner with the Windy City Bulls to host the special kick-off event.

“(We) look forward to a great red kettle season that will provide year-round funding for programs and services assisting individuals and families in need in Elgin and surrounding communities,” he said.

Individual tickets for the event are $75 per person or community partnerships are available at three levels: $1,500, $1,000 and $700. Tickets include: 100 Level game ticket, buffet dinner, photos with the six Chicago Bulls championship trophies, photos and autographs from NBA Champion Horace Grant, who will also speak at the event. Tickets and community partnerships can be purchased online at www.salarmyelgin.org/redkettle.

Horace Grant enters his second season as special adviser to the president & C.O.O. of the Chicago Bulls after joining the front office in October 2016. A 17-year veteran of the NBA, Grant spent seven seasons playing for the Chicago Bulls (1987-94) after being selected by the Bulls with the 10^th pick in the First Round of the 1987 NBA Draft.

Grant played a key role in the team’s first three-peat Championship run (1991-93). He also earned a fourth NBA title in 2001 as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. He was an NBA All-Star in 1994 and earned NBA All-Defensive Second Team honors in 1993 and 1994.

Proceeds from the event support programs and services of The Salvation Army of Elgin at 316 Douglas Ave, Elgin IL. Programs include weekly food distribution, shelter assistance, long-term homelessness prevention, youth programming and music education, emergency disaster services, pastoral care, and spiritual worship and fellowship.

To donate in support of these programs, please mail to: The Salvation Army, 316 Douglas Ave, Elgin IL 60120, or donate online at www.salarmyelgin.org. All donations stay local to provide for families and indivduals in need.

For more information check out our Facebook page @tsaelgin or website at www.salarmyelgin.org.

SOURCE: Salvation Army Elgin news release