Nearly $2,000 was raised for the The Salvation Army of Augusta Area Command at Friday’s Red Kettle and Angel Tree Kickoff.

After a long day of bell ringing, Augusta University was crowned the 2016 Kettle Kickoff Champions, raising $1074 and snapping the Bulldogs six-year winning streak. The Jaguars, Bulldogs, Eagles and Devil Dogs went head-to-head in a seven-hour competition to fill their red kettles for local families in need. Together the teams raised $1903.58.

"We appreciate the generosity of the community at the Kickoff," said Area Commander Captain Philip Canning. "We are off to a great start to our annual Christmas campaigns."

November 11 marked the official launch of the Red Kettle and Angel Tree campaigns. This year's local red kettle goal is $250,000. Money raised through red kettles provides much needed funding for The Salvation Army's free programs throughout the year.