Salvation Army
There was a time when Country Music singer, songwriter, and actress Lainey Wilson could walk incognito as a virtual unknown in the entertainment industry. But a lot can happen in the course of two years.
Already rounding the second half of her “Country’s Cool Again” tour, Wilson has shot into the Country Music stratosphere garnering accolades and praise from many of her peers. Currently, Wilson holds the title of the reigning Country Music Association Award (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music Award (ACM) Entertainer of the Year. She’s also announced that she will co-host the upcoming 58th annual CMA Awards alongside Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning.
In addition to this, Wilson was nominated by the CMA as a finalist for Entertainer of the Year, Female Vocalist of the Year, Single of the Year for her song “Watermelon Moonshine”, and Music Video of the Year for her song “Wildflowers and Wild Horses.”
Earlier this year, Wilson took home hardware for Best Country Album Bell Bottom Country at the 66th annual Grammy Awards. Currently, the Country singer is touring behind her latest album Whirlwind, released in August.
Add a reoccurring role on the smash hit Paramount Network series “Yellowstone” and you what you get is a bonafide superstar in the making.
So what’s the next big thing for a country music singer on the rise? How about a stint playing the halftime show for the most watched regular season NFL football game of the year.
That's right football fans, Wilson is scheduled to take the field at AT&T Stadium for The Salvation Army’s Red Kettle Kickoff Halftime Show during the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game against the New York Giants, airing on Fox.
The Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game has become the most-watched regular season game of the year, drawing 42 million viewers in 2023 alone, according to a press release.
Wilson’s performance will include a few songs from her most recent album Whirlwind, as well as a special surprise guest appearance.
A Dallas Cowboys tradition for nearly three decades, the Thanksgiving Day Game marks the official start of the Red Kettle Campaign. Part of this tradition is taking time during the halftime show to put a national spotlight on the millions in need during the holiday season.
Through the funds that were raised last year, The Salvation Army was able to offer support services to more than 27 million people in the U.S. Working in tandem with the Dallas Cowboys for 31 years, The Salvation Army has raised more than $3 billion to aid those in need with its Red Kettle Kickoff campaign.
Salvation Army
“It’s an honor to follow in the footsteps of legendary performers like my friend Dolly Parton, The Jonas Brothers, and Reba, of course, to kick off The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Campaign,” Wilson says. “Join me at the Red Kettle this Christmas season because we truly can do more good when we come together to serve those in need in our communities.”
Charlotte Jones, chief brand officer and co-owner of the Dallas Cowboys and former national advisory board chairperson for The Salvation Army said: “Performers like Lainey Wilson represent the next generation of role models for so many. We are so thankful to have her energy and enthusiasm on our national stage this year to highlight the Red Kettle Kickoff and the importance of giving back to those who need it most.”
This season, there are five fewer days for giving, which means donations to The Salvation Army — whether at one of its iconic Red Kettles or online — are more crucial than ever to support families in need.
“The Dallas Cowboys and the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Foundation have been devoted partners of The Salvation Army for nearly 30 years in our shared mission to take care of the most vulnerable in our communities,” said Commissioner Kenneth G. Hodder, national commander of The Salvation Army in the United States. “And a performance by such a celebrated artist as Lainey Wilson is the most wonderful way to kick off this important season of giving.”
The following options are available for those wishing to support their neighbors in need:
Donate with cash, coins, and checks or digitally with Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Venmo at any Red Kettle across the country.
Provide Christmas gifts to children of local families in need through The Salvation Army Angel Tree. You can also contact your local Salvation Army about volunteering to distribute donated Angel Tree gifts.
Contact your local Salvation Army to volunteer at a Red Kettle or visit RegisterToRing.com.
Ask Amazon’s Alexa to donate by saying, “Alexa, donate to The Salvation Army,” and then specifying the amount.
Sign up for a sustaining gift of $25 a month at Give.SalvationArmyUSA.org.
Donate cryptocurrency, such as Bitcoin or Ethereum.
Every donation stays in the community to provide help and hope for those in need. To learn more, give help, or get help, please visit www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.
