The Salvation Army Pasadena will kick off its annual Red Kettle Season with its 2026 Annual Fundraising Gala, an elegant evening celebrating hope, generosity, and the power of transformed lives.
With a fundraising goal of $150,000, the gala will bring together community leaders, business partners, philanthropists and friends in support of The Salvation Army’s year-round work throughout the greater Pasadena community. Every dollar raised at the event will stay local, directly supporting programs and services that provide food, housing assistance, youth development, addiction recovery, disaster services and compassionate care for neighbors in need.
This year’s featured speaker is Leonard Russell II, a former NFL first-round draft pick whose remarkable journey is a powerful testament to the possibility of transformation.
Russell was selected in the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft and went on to earn NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. After his professional football career, his life took an unexpected turn as he struggled with addiction. Russell eventually found help, hope and a new beginning through The Salvation Army’s Adult Rehabilitation Center.
Today, he serves as an Intake Coordinator with The Salvation Army, walking alongside men and women as they take their own first steps toward recovery and a new life.
“Leonard’s story reminds us why we do this work,” said Captain Becky Helms, Corps Officer of The Salvation Army Pasadena Tabernacle.
“Behind every meal served, every child encouraged, every family supported and every person given the opportunity to begin again is a story that matters. We believe no life is beyond hope, and when our community comes together, we get to be part of writing new stories of healing, dignity and transformation right here in Pasadena.”
The Annual Fundraising Gala also marks the official kickoff of The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle Season. While the familiar red kettles are most visible during the Christmas season, the funds raised help make possible work that continues throughout the year.
For more than a century, The Salvation Army Pasadena has served individuals and families facing hunger, homelessness, addiction, financial hardship, disaster and other crises while also investing in children, youth and families through programs designed to build stronger lives and a stronger community.
Guests at the gala will enjoy an elegant evening featuring live entertainment, a curated silent auction with exceptional items and experiences, inspiring stories of lives changed through The Salvation Army, and Russell’s keynote address.
“Every gift given that evening stays here and makes a difference here,” Helms said. “Our neighbors are incredibly generous, and we want them to know that when they support this gala, they are helping us respond to real needs in our community not just during Christmas, but 365 days a year.”
Since 1888, The Salvation Army has faithfully served Pasadena and surrounding communities, meeting human needs without discrimination. Funds raised through the 2026 gala will help ensure that this work continues for individuals and families who need a place to turn in the year ahead.
NEED TO KNOW
The Salvation Army Pasadena Annual Fundraising Gala is scheduled for Nov. 6, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the Noor Event Center, 300 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena. Ticket prices and parking locations and fees were not provided. For sponsorship opportunities, tickets or additional information, please visit Gala Registration or contact Captain Becky Helms at Rebecca.Helms@usw.
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