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In Anacortes, Washington, tacky holiday sweaters and big hearts filled a decorated event hall during The Salvation Army Anacortes’ annual Red Kettle Kickoff 2025, celebrating the season with the theme “Skagit County’s Largest Ugly Sweater Party.”
The fun-filled annual tradition began to expand three years ago when Salvation Army Anacortes Corps Officers, Lieutenants LaShan and Brett Harrison, arrived, helping raise around $15,000 during their first Red Kettle Kickoff dinner.
Since then, the holiday event has grown dramatically, with over 200 attendees contributing to the $116,000 raised this year—funds that support the Anacortes Corps food pantry, back-to-school programs, a life skills class for adults with intellectual disabilities, and more year-round.
“The Anacortes community loves a reason to come together,” Brett Harrison said. “We recognized this and decided we needed to go big with the Red Kettle Kickoffs.”
The Harrisons said the event’s growth stems from community coordination and support, along with making sure attendees understand how their financial contributions help neighbors in need.
“We’re seeing that people want to participate, give and help be a part of something that benefits the community,” she said, noting that in a town of just over 18,000 residents, word of mouth helps locals stay informed about events.
The evening combined festive fun with fundraising, as guests donned their most over-the-top holiday apparel for a chance to win an ugly sweater contest. According to Harrison, the sweaters grow bolder each year as attendees try to outdo their previous looks.
“We ask people to wear their ugliest Christmas sweaters, and it’s amazing to see the creativity,” she said. “Whole tables came with matching themes, homemade designs, and out-of-the-box ideas—it just keeps getting sillier each year.”
She noted that for most, the event has become an annual tradition, with attendees arriving in groups representing local organizations, businesses, or families. Groups can sponsor tables of up to 10 individuals or purchase single tickets for $100, with reduced rates for corps members.
Throughout the evening, guests socialize and enjoy a buffet-style dinner while joining in fundraising activities, including a silent auction, a paddle raise where participants pledge donations by raising numbered paddles, and a dessert dash in which groups bid for first choice of homemade desserts.
Harrison said that the highest bid on a cake this year was $1,900.
“It’s great to see people having so much fun while giving,” Harrison said. “That energy just spreads through the room.”
Behind the scenes, Chuck Flagg, Salvation Army Anacortes Advisory Board Chairman, has helped secure sponsors for the event since it began, including major support from Marathon Refinery, which has covered the venue and catering costs for the past two years.
“Seeing local leaders and community members come together shows how generous and connected Anacortes is, especially during the Christmas season,” he said.
Flagg serves as a Salvation Army Christmas Champion, coordinating bellringing and seasonal donations in Anacortes. He also sits on the board of the Anacortes Kiwanis Club, where he fosters connections and links local supporters to Salvation Army volunteering and giving opportunities.
“There are many people in Anacortes who want to give and have the means to do so,” Flagg said. “It’s just a matter of finding them and linking them to the right causes.”
He added that the Red Kettle Kickoff provides an ideal chance to introduce locals to The Salvation Army’s programs and services, inspiring support that extends well beyond the holiday season.
Looking ahead to next year’s Red Kettle Kickoff, Flagg noted that a larger space will likely be needed to accommodate the growing crowd.
“The growth of this event reflects how committed this town is to helping one another,” Flagg said. “We’re seeing what a difference people can make when they come together.”
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