MC and LP Both Claim Victory in Battle of the Mayors
Michigan City, IN
01/02/2025 02:28 PM
Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch of Michigan City and Mayor
Tom Dermody of La Porte are both claiming victory in this year’s Red Kettle
Ring-Off. During this annual tradition, the mayors of both cities compete to
see who can raise the most money in a red kettle in support of The Salvation
Army in their respective communities.
This year’s competition took place on Friday, December 20 with Nelson Deuitch and
her team ringing at Al’s Supermarket on Karwick Plaza, while Dermody and his
team rang at Kroger in La Porte.
Dermody has taken the win for the past four years, but this year The Salvation
Army of Michigan City is celebrating a victory because Nelson Deuitch raised
the most cash in her kettle on the day of the competition – raising an even
$7,600 while Dermody came very close by raising $7,548.
However, The Salvation Army of La Porte is also claiming a victory in the
battle because an anonymous donor matched all red kettle donations for the day,
including Dermody’s kettle. With this kettle match, his kettle ultimately
raised $15,096. Dermody acknowledged that it would have been a closer race
without the kettle match donor, but said he always appreciates The Salvation
Army helping those in need.
The Salvation Army’s of La Porte and Michigan City agreed to share the victory
this year and instead acknowledge that the true winners are the residents of La
Porte County who will benefit from the programs and services that these funds
will help provide.
“Mayor Angie put in a wonderful effort during this battle. We are so proud of
the way she represented our city in support of The Salvation Army. We
appreciate all of her staff, family, and friends for ringing a bell,” said Major
Rebecca Simmons of The Salvation Army of Michigan City. “We thank the community
for rallying behind their mayors to support those in need, especially during
these challenging times.”
Major Charles Pinkston of The Salvation Army of La Porte agreed, saying, “Both
La Porte and Michigan City were amazing during this year’s Battle of the Mayors.
While the rivalry continues between the cities for who can raise the most money
for bragging rights, ultimately it is our neighbors in need here in La Porte
County who are the true winners.”
Red kettle donations for both The Salvation Army of Michigan City and The
Salvation Army of La Porte support annual Christmas Campaigns that provide
holiday food and toys for families in need in La Porte County, while also
supporting year-round programs and services.
More information regarding assistance provided by The Salvation Army is
available at www.samichigancity.org or www.salaporte.org.
Reference
Jessica O’Brien
(219) 874-6885, ext. 1003