Stater Bros. Markets CEO Pete Van Helden Delivers Keynote Address at The Salvation Army 2023 Red Kettle Campaign

REDLANDS, CALIF.— Pete Van Helden, Stater Bros. Markets[NN1] [CMD2]  Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of the Board, will deliver the keynote address at the kickoff event for The Salvation Army’s Annual Red Kettle campaign.

The “miracle” of Christmas is repeated through the joy of caring, sharing and donations to The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles. The ringing of the Silver Bells begins with The Red Kettle Kickoff. This year’s event is Wednesday, November 15th [NN3] [CMD4] at 5:30 PM at the Bear Springs Events Center,  27923 Highland Avenue, Highland, CA 92346. 

“Like the Salvation Army, Stater Bros. Charities has a long history of supporting those in need in Southern California,” said Van Helden. “To many people, the Salvation Army’s red kettles represent hope during the holidays, and that’s why I’m honored to serve as the keynote speaker for this year’s Red Kettle Kick-Off.”

“We are delighted to have Pete Van Helden – Stater Bros. Markets Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board, serve as the keynote speaker for the 2023 Red Kettle Kickoff,” said Major Isaias Braga, Commander of The Salvation Army of San Bernardino. 

“Stater Bros. Markets has supported the mission of The Salvation Army [NN5] [CMD6] for decades. We are honored to serve the same community,” he added.

Van Helden began his career at Stater Bros. Markets in April 2013 when he was appointed President and Chief Operating Officer of the company. He was promoted to CEO in January 2016. In 2019, Van Helden was appointed to the Board of Directors of Stater Bros. Holdings, Inc., and in October 2022, Pete was elevated to its Chairman of the Board.

In 2022-2023 The Salvation Army served 26,013 People, 24,012 households that included 110,768 meals and 12,822 households receiving groceries. The Hospitality House provided 34,761 nights of shelter to families and children experiencing homelessness; 2,146 at-risk children participated in educational and recreational programs.  [NN7] [CMD8] 

Donations from the Red Kettles help make possible Christmas, holiday food baskets for around 500 local families. On Christmas, a Christmas Dinner that historically provides a delicious meal to about 200 people.

The Salvation Army of San Bernardino serves the cities of San Bernardino, Redlands, Highland, Rialto, Loma Linda, Colton, Yucaipa, Calimesa, Bloomington, Mentone, Grand Terrace, Muscoy and Big Bear, Lake Arrowhead and Running Springs.

Donations may always be made online at http://www.SalvationArmyUSA.org or by calling 1-(800)-SAL-ARMY. For local information call (909) 792-6868. Donors may drop off turkeys, hams, other food, cash or gift cards at the Salvation Army’s Corps Office at 838 Alta Street, Redlands California, 92373.