Ferris State Athletics Honored As 2017 Recipient Of The Salvation Army's "Red Shield Award" For Service

Big Rapids, Mich. - Ferris State University Athletics has been honored as a 2017 recipient of The Salvation Army's prestigious "Red Shield Award" for its service to the local charitable organization.

The Salvation Army's Red Shield Logo is one of the most recognizable images in the world. Locally, the image stands for what the Salvation Army provides to the community: Hope, Safety and Service. 

Each year, the Salvation Army of Big Rapids presents their Red Shield Award to local businesses and organizations that go above and beyond to show their support for The Salvation Army, and those they serve. The awards were announced at The Salvation Army's Annual Dinner and Auction in May.

Over the past four years, Ferris State Athletics has been one of the Salvation Army's top local partners. FSU has hosted The Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign Kickoff Event at home hockey and football contests, organized an annual Teddy Bear drive to benefit The Salvation Army's Angel Tree Toy Drive and student-athletes have also volunteered with the civic partner throughout the years.

In 2016, in an effort to raise awareness for The Salvation Army's programs and services, the Bulldog Hockey squad wore specially designed jerseys that depicted the various ways The Salvation Army is serving the community. The jerseys were then auctioned off to raise funds for the kettle campaign. 

Ferris State student-athletes also volunteer throughout the year as bellringers and at The Salvation Army's Family Store. FSU Athletics strives to educate it's student-athletes about the importance of getting involved in their communities and the value of giving back. This demonstrates one of the core values The Salvation Army's Red Shield represents: Service. 

The award was announced in honor of Ferris State Athletics' dedication to service in the community and for their partnership to raise awareness and funds for the Red Kettle Campaign.

Photo: Ferris State Athletics Director Perk Weisenburger (left) and Associate Athletics Director Jon Coles (right) accept the "Red Shield Award" from The Salvation Army's Director of Development Chris Vallette (middle).