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Dallas Cowboys and The Salvation Army
National Kettle Kick Off
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The pictures below were taken by Jim Sulley and were generously supplied courtesy of WirePix. All the pictures and their accompanying text is Copyright 2000 WirePix. Thank you WirePix.
All text portions of this page that do not accompany a picture is compiled from various news sources and Copyright 2000 TUBGFWS

Billy's "One Voice" to be heard
On Monday, November 13, 2000 The Dallas Cowboys and the Salvation Army announced that Billy Gilman and pop singer Jessica Simpson would help kick off the Salvation Army's annual fundraising drive during the half-time show of the Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game. The half-time show will feature Billy performing a special version of his smash hit, "One Voice," as part of the "National Kettle Kick-off." "It's an honor to be chosen to help the Salvation Army launch its fundraising campaign with 'One Voice,'" says Billy. "And it's my sincere hope that Jessica and I can move people to support the Salvation Army's efforts, an organization that make a huge difference in people's lives." Billy says that he's thrilled to participate in the event for a very simple reason. "This is all for the kids and the families," he says. "I can't believe I get to help out!" He goes on to say that he's equally thrilled to be able to sing his debut single. "The reason I'm going to sing, 'One Voice,' is because the message of the song is asking for help with all the problems in the world," Billy explains. "As I get older, I want to focus my attention on events just like these. There are so many people who are less fortunate in this world and we need to help them feel appreciated." The "kick-off" is an annual event that invites viewers to make a difference in the lives of millions by donating to the charity. The 2000 National Kettle Kick-off marks the fourth time the Cowboys have dedicated their Thanksgiving Day half-time show to help draw attention to the 20,000 red kettles people will see this holiday season beginning Friday, November 24.

NKKO1.JPG - Recording artists Jessica Simpson, left, and Billy Gilman, second from left, and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, right, and his wife Gene, center, pose with the children at The Salvation Army's Gene and Jerry Jones Family Center, Monday, November 13, 2000 in Irving, Texas. The Salvation Army selected Simpson and Gilman to perform during halftime at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Game to launch its annual fundraising drive, the 2000 National Kettle Kick-Off. (Jim Sulley/WirePix)

NKKO2.JPG - Twelve year-old signing sensation Billy Gilman performs for the children at The Salvation Army's Gene and Jerry Jones Family Center in Irving, Texas on Monday, November 13, 2000. The Salvation Army selected Gilman and multi-platinum recording artist Jessica Simpson to perform during halftime at the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day Game to launch its annual fundraising drive, the 2000 National Kettle Kick-Off. (Jim Sulley/WirePix)

NKKO3.JPG - Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman gets ready to autograph a jacket for twelve year-old singing sensation Billy Gilman, right, as Commissioner John Busby, center, National Commander of The Salvation Army looks on, following the Cowboys' practice in Irving, Texas on Wednesday, November 22, 2000. Gilman and multi-platinum recording artist Jessica Simpson will join the Cowboys and The Salvation Army for the fourth "National Kettle Kick-off" - a special halftime performance during the Cowboys' Thanksgiving Day Game to launch The Salvation Army's annual fundraising drive. (Jim Sulley/WirePix)

Billy's "One Voice" was heard
Billy once again showed off his professionalizm and how poised a performer he is when he sang "One Voice" in front of 60,000 fans and the TV audience during the half-time show of the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Day game. Billy was thrilled but admits that he didn't know a lot about the Salvation Army before he got involved in last week's festivities. "Before I got involved, I didn't know very much at all," he explains. "Since then, I've learned just how many people can be helped by pocket change." Adding that he hopes the millions of viewers that watched him perform were inspired to help out. "It's amazing, as little as fifty-cents or a dollar can go a long way," says Billy. "Even kids can make a difference, even twenty-five cents can help the Salvation Army provide food and shelter for so many. I'm so lucky, I'm conquering my dream of making a difference, just like my song, 'One Voice,' suggests."

NKKO4.JPG - Twelve year-old singing sensation Billy Gilman performs during The Salvation Army's National Kettle Kick-off Half-time show at the Dallas Cowboys vs. Minnesota Vikings Thanksgiving Day game at Texas Stadium in Irving, Texas, Thursday, November 23, 2000. Each year The Salvation Army raises millions of dollars from 20,000 red kettles to help change the lives of people and families throughout the United States. (Jim Sulley/WirePix)

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