Gold medalist makes Army his “charity of choice”

Nathan Adrian helps host Rock the Red Kettle and bell-ringing contest.

Nathan Adrian, four-time Olympic medalist, will serve as the honorary chairman of The Salvation Army’s World Record Bell-Ringing Contest on Dec. 11 and will guest host the third annual Rock the Red Kettle Concert in Los Angeles on Dec. 15. The world champion swimmer has a long history of supporting The Salvation Army, including as a young volunteer bell-ringer in his hometown of Bremerton, Wash.

“I was first introduced to The Salvation Army thanks to my parents, who have been involved with them for a number of years in my hometown, and I am honored to support an organization that is committed to helping people who are in need,” Adrian said. “I understand and appreciate that I wouldn’t be where I am today if not for the support of so many people around me and I want to help pay it forward. We have a lot planned this holiday season and I’m looking forward to encouraging giving nationwide.”

Nathan’s parents, Cecilia and Jim Adrian, are longtime supporters of The Salvation Army in Bremerton, Wash., where Nathan was born and raised. Jim, a retired nuclear engineer for the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, was recently elected as chairman of the Advisory Board for The Salvation Army in Bremerton, where he helps guide the Army’s efforts locally.

“Nathan is a true American champion, not just on the podium, but in the hearts and minds of young people who look up to him for inspiration,” said Major George Hood, national community relations and development secretary for The Salvation Army. “The Salvation Army is excited to partner with Nathan this Christmas and we look forward to educating the next generation of philanthropists on how they can help the less fortunate.”