Turn $20 into $100 today for #charity

Jonathan Ellis • jonellis@argusleader.com • December 11, 2010

Each $20 bill that ends up in Salvation Army kettles today will add up to $100.

It's thanks to an anonymous donor who has pledged up to $10,000 to turn $20 into $100. The Salvation Army's advisory board has put up another $7,500 for the effort. All told, the charity group is hoping for a big day today with a goal of raising $35,000.

But there's a catch: The donations, in order to qualify for the match, must be $20 bills, Maj. Mike Mills said. Two tens, or four fives, or whatever, don't qualify

"It's a unique fundraiser - it really is," Mills said. "I think it's great. But what can I say? I'm biased."

The Salvation Army has several programs, and requests for assistance are up by 30 percent over this time last year, said Steve Cook, chairman of the advisory board. The group feeds 175 to 200 people on Friday and Saturday nights, distributes clothing to children and adults, including coats, hats and gloves, and has a Christmas toy program for children whose parents don't have the resources for gifts.

A similar event last year was a success, said Cook, owner of Advertising Arts. Then, a donor pledged up to $8,000 for each $20 bill. The Salvation Army easily reached that goal.

This year the goal of hitting $17,500 is more ambitious. Weather reports could hinder that, with snow and wind expected in Sioux Falls.

"With the weather coming in, we're still hoping people will get out there and put their $20 bill in the kettles," Cook said.

Last year's overall Christmas campaign raised $475,000 for the Sioux Falls Salvation Army. This year officials are hoping to raise $500,000.

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