The first “Put your Metal in the Kettle” event was held at Riverland Community College on Dec. 11 across all three campuses. The Albert Lea campus raised $1,032. The Austin campus donated $1,062.25 (approximately $100 came from community members) and Owatonna donated $165 to the cause.

Each campus raised funds for the Salvation Army Red Kettle fund’s local chapters in Albert Lea, Austin and Owatonna where Riverland campuses are located. Riverland employees in Albert Lea and Austin were invited to participate in the Kettle o’ Chili taste challenge. Winners received Gold Ladles to showcase their cooking talents. Cedar Valley Services also made and sold chili in the cafeterias and donated their proceeds to the cause.

Additionally employees paid $5 for the right to wear Ugly Holiday Sweaters for the occasion. As special guests, the Austin Bruins hockey team visited to taste the chili and have photos taken with the Ugly Holiday Sweater competitors. In Albert Lea the entire campus was involved in the activities with a lot of interaction between students, faculty and staff.