Help a community leader ring up a win

Brian Johnson, center, makes a donation as Fechtel Beverage President Bernie Fechtel, right, and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, left, compete during a Red Kettle Ring-Off rematch in 2018 at Hy-Vee Supermarket. The match helps raise funds toward the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.
Brian Johnson, center, makes a donation as Fechtel Beverage President Bernie Fechtel, right, and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe, left, compete during a Red Kettle Ring-Off rematch in 2018 at Hy-Vee Supermarket. The match helps raise funds toward the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.

What started as a challenge between friends has quickly developed into a Jefferson City holiday tradition.

The third annual bell ring-off between Fechtel Beverage President Bernie Fechtel and Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe is set for 9 a.m. Saturday.

The competition comes in the middle of the annual Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church whose mission is to preach the Gospel and support people in need. During the winter holidays, the campaign raises millions of dollars to feed the world's poor.

Last year, in a little more than two hours, the rivals raised $26,121 for The Salvation Army of Jefferson City, helping it meet its annual campaign goal.

This year, the organization set a goal of $330,000.

"It has really been fun seeing these two in action as this event draws closer," Salvation Army Capt. Justin Windell said in a news release. "You can really see the passion they have for serving our community and helping those in need."

Kehoe "won" the ring-off the past two years.

The ring-off will be at Hy-Vee, 3721 W. Truman Blvd.

Onlookers can help choose a winner by donating to their kettles.