REDLANDS, CALIF / AGILITYPR.NEWS / October 07, 2026 / REDLANDS, CALIF.— Local attorney Wilfrid “Bill” Lemann, managing partner at Fullerton, Lemann, Schaefer & Dominick, LLP, is the Kickoff master of ceremonies for the annual start of the Bell Ringing season for The Salvation Army, marking the official launch of the 2026 holiday fundraising campaign. This year's theme is Transforming Lives. The event will take place on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM at the Bear Springs Event Center in Highland, California.

“Last year’s wonderful turnout showed the heart of our community. I hope even more people join us this year as we come together to transform lives and bring hope to neighbors in need,” said Lemann. Tickets are available here.

“This year, California Assemblymember James Ramos will serve as keynote speaker and deliver the keynote address at the kickoff event. He is a steadfast advocate for vulnerable populations and has championed legislation addressing housing insecurity, homelessness, and support for low-income families. His commitment to social justice and community welfare aligns perfectly with The Salvation Army's mission and values,” Lemann said.

Bill Lemann has served as the master of ceremonies for the Red Kettle Kickoff for most of the last 26 years. “His humor, relationships with community leaders and elected officials and his lifelong dedication to the San Bernardino community are legendary,” said Brian Cronin the Red Kettle Kickoff Chair. “It is an honor for Bill to be our Master of Ceremonies and help The Salvation Army serve those in need.”

For neighbors facing hunger, homelessness, addiction or financial hardship, The Salvation Army offers help and hope. The annual Red Kettle campaign provides vital support, transforming generosity during the Christmas season into life-changing assistance throughout the year.

Every coin placed in a Salvation Army red kettle becomes a lifeline for a neighbor in need—providing warm meals, a safe place to sleep, clothing, furniture and, when funds are available, help with housing and transportation.

During the Christmas season, The Salvation Army also provides 500 local families with meals and toys to approximately 1,000 local children whose parents cannot afford them.

On Christmas, The Salvation Army of San Bernardino hosts a Christmas Dinner that historically provides a delicious meal to approximately 200 people. Donations to the Red Kettles help make this possible.

“The Salvation Army serves as one of the most trusted and effective providers of services to the homeless, the hungry, the hopeless, the addicted and people in need. Their doors are always open,” said Lemann.

Donations can be made online at https://sanbernardino.salvationarmy.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY, specifying that you want your donation applied to San Bernardino Corps in California.

Donors are asked to drop off turkeys, hams, canned food, cash, checks or gift cards at the Salvation Army’s Corps Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands, CA 92373.

For more information, call (909) 792-6868.

About the Salvation Army San Bernardino Corps

The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the Universal Christian Church and offers holistic programs for individuals without discrimination. They serve the cities of Bloomington, Colton, Grand Terrace, Highland, Loma Linda, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto, San Bernardino and Yucaipa, as well as Big Bear, Blue Jay, Crestline, Lake Arrowhead and other mountain communities. 

The Salvation Army is one of the world's largest charitable and service organizations and has served San Bernardino since 1888, supporting those in need.