East Texan Part of 3-Way Tie in Salvation Army World Record Bell Ringing Contest

TYLER � An East Texan has joined two other men, one from California and one from Minnesota, in a three-way-tie for the Salvation Army world record for bell ringing. Andre Thompson(pictured with KTBB’s Melissa Kiser) rang the Salvation Army Kettle Bell from Tuesday, December 3, at 11:00 a.m., until Saturday, December 7, at 8:00 p.m., with only short, rare breaks. The Salvation Army declared a three-way tie at 105 hours, 25 more hours than the previous world record of 80.

Thompson braved freezing temperatures and rain to raise money for those who need a little help in the area. He says it’s all for the glory of God. Crowds gathered around Thompson every day and night, bringing him warm food and drinks, and even provided music to entertain him as he rang his way into the record books. At last report, Thompson had raised $12,981 in his quest, not including coins. Thompson is also a Christian rapper who goes by the stage name “Exalt.” You can go to http://www.onlineredkettle.org/exalt to continue to donate money to his online account.