Irving, TX (November 12, 2002) - The Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army announced today that international recording star LeAnn Rimes will be the featured entertainer for the 2002 National Kettle Kick Off, an annual holiday tradition launching The Salvation Army's Red Kettle fundraising campaign, during the Dallas Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day game. The sixth consecutive Thanksgiving Day half-time performance will be nationally broadcast by FOX, and is intended to raise awareness of The Salvation Army's red kettles as a source of much-needed funding for programs that help people in need throughout the country, every day of the year.

"As a result of our economy and the lasting impact of national tragedies, Salvation Army services have been in demand as never before, with the Army assisting a record 38 million people last year," said Jerry Jones, owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys. "Donating to The Salvation Army is one of the best ways to help a great many who remain in need because nearly 90 percent of every donation goes directly into funding programs that change lives. The Dallas Cowboys are proud to help send the proper Thanksgiving message to a national television audience."

During today's announcement at the Gene and Jerry Jones Family Center for Children in Irving, Texas, Rimes met some of the children her work will benefit. Rimes, whose career includes two Grammy awards, a multi-platinum album and hundreds of weeks on Billboard charts, has recently emerged from the studio with a new set of songs and a new style. On Thanksgiving Day, Rimes will perform two songs from her new pop album, "Twisted Angel," in support of The Salvation Army and its wide array of service programs.

"The Salvation Army has done so much to help people in need that it is an honor to perform at the Cowboys game on their behalf on Thanksgiving Day," said Rimes. "We're going to put on a great show and, hopefully, do our best to remind people how important it is to donate to The Salvation Army's red kettles to help their fellow Americans. "

Each year, 20,000 Salvation Army red kettles serve as collection stations around the nation beginning the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Donations to the kettles stay local, supporting programs in the communities in which they were received.

"For more than 120 years, Americans have entrusted The Salvation Army with their donations and their faith in Salvation Army programs that help people in need every day of the year," said Salvation Army National Commander Commissioner W. Todd Bassett. "We are extremely grateful for that generous support and continue to be compassionately committed to serving those who come to us in need."

The Salvation Army has approximately 9,000 centers of operation in local communities nationwide. In 2001, kettle donations raised $91 million across the country.

The Salvation Army provides food for the hungry, companionship to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, opportunities for underprivileged children, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, and many more services. The Salvation Army is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. One of the largest charitable and service organizations in the world, The Salvation Army has been in existence since 1865, supporting those in need without discrimination. Those wishing to make donations can call their local Salvation Army, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY for assistance in finding the nearest Salvation Army center of operation, or visit www.salvationarmyusa.org.

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