Jonas Brothers to Play Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving Game to Kick Off Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign

For the past 11 years the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game halftime show has officially launched the Red Kettle Christmas Campaign on a national stage, becoming annual holiday tradition. Since the partnership began in 1997, the annual Red Kettle campaign has raised more than $1 billion, which has helped the Army to serve 30 million people each year nationwide. Last year, the campaign raised a record $118 million. Previous halftime performers include Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Destiny's Child, Toby Keith, LeAnn Rimes, Creed, Jessica Simpson, Billy Gillman, Clint Black, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.

"I was born inDallas, which makes performing with my brothers at the Cowboys Halftime on Thanksgiving an in credible honor," said Nick Jonas. Added brother Joe Jonas, "This year, more than ever, the Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign will make a huge impact for families at Christmas and throughout the year. It's very important for us to give back." Kevin Jonas finished, "We'd like to thank Jerry Jones, the Dallas Cowboys, Israel Gaither, and The Salvation Army for inviting us to be part of this awesome Thanksgiving tradition. We'll remember this for a long time to come."

The Jonas Brothers - Kevin, Joe and Nick - will perform songs from their platinum third studio album A Little Bit Longer, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 in August. Since their recording debut in 2005, Jonas Brothers have released three studio albums and stared in Camp Rock, a 2008 Disney Channel Original Movie. Additionally, Jonas Brothers will be staring in a new Disney Channel Original Series, J.O.N.A.S!, which is expected to debut on Disney Channel inSpring, 2009.

"There are no other artists more in touch with America's youth than Jonas Brothers," said Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones. "So, this is a great chance for us to get the word out about The Salvation Army's vital work to a whole new generation of donors."

The Salvation Army also announced today that Mr. Jones has agreed to serve as the national honorary Christmas chairperson. In this capacity, he will act as an advocate for the campaign at Christmas and also help to get the word out about The Salvation Army's critical programs year-round. Mr. Jones and his family have been major supporters of The Salvation Army for more than a decade. In 1998, Mr. Jones and his wife, Gene, opened the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Center for Children - a Salvation Army child care center for low-income families inDallas, TX. In 1999, the family received the Evangeline Booth Award, one of the Army's highest national service honors. Mr. Jones is now an Emeritus member of The Salvation Army's National Advisory Board and his daughter, Charlotte Jones Anderson and wife Gene currently serve as active board members.

"In addition to our excitement about Jonas Brothers helping us launch this annual campaign, we're thrilled that Jerry Jones has agreed to serve as our permanent national honorary Christmas chairperson," said Lieutenant-Colonel David Jeffrey, National Chief Secretary for The Salvation Army. "Jerry, his family and the entire Dallas Cowboys organization have been great friends of the Army for many years. Their support helps the Army serve, on average, 30 million Americans in 5,000 communities nationwide each year."

From its original beginnings as a fundraiser started by a Salvation Army captain inSan Francisco in 1891, the Red Kettle Campaign has grown into one of the most recognizable and important charitable campaigns inthe United States. As part of the campaign, more than 25,000 Salvation Army volunteers spread throughout the country to ring bells daily and solicit spare change donations to the iconic red kettles from holiday shoppers. In 2007, the campaign raised more than $118 million nationwide, a new record supported by the public's nickels, dimes, quarters and dollars (and the occasional diamond ring or gold tooth) all collected and used to help people in the communities where they were raised. Last year, the funds helped The Salvation Army provide food, clothing, toys and other assistance to nearly 29 million Americans in need. In addition to physical kettles, donors can also contribute online at www.salvationarmyusa.org or through a virtual red kettle on any number of corporate or individual websites and Facebook pages.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 128 years inthe United States. Nearly 29 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. About 82 cents of every dollar raised is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org

SOURCE The Salvation Army

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