Singing and ringing

Staff Photo by Tim Barber/Chattanooga Times Free Press/ Nov 19, 2010 - Alex George, left, a student from Hanner International School of Tae Kwon-Do, breaks a board held by A.C. Lewis during a performance in the Salvation Army talent contest Saturday at Hamilton Place mall.

There was singing, dancing and a whole lot of bell ringing Saturday at Hamilton Place mall as the Salvation Army hosted its "So You Think You Can Ring" competition.

Eight acts -- everything from comedy skits to cardio dancing, plus lots of singing -- were performed to raise money for the Salvation Army.

As they performed, bell ringers moved through the audience collecting donations. Salvation Army officials said the event generated $849, with the winning group collecting $139.

Cindy Faucett, of Chattanooga, looked down from the second level of the mall at some of the performances on the Comcast Stage.

"This is fantastic," Faucett said. "It's a great way to make money for a good cause."

Danny Lewis, pastor at Hickory Valley Baptist Church, and 30 of his congregation were the fourth act. They sang Christmas carols.

"This is an awesome experience and a great way to give back to the community and the Salvation Army," Lewis said.

Alda Young, a fitness trainer at Sports Barn East, and members of her cardio fitness group performed aerobic dance routines to music.

She compared getting fit to helping the Salvation Army.

"Anybody can do it [get fit]," Young said, "and with the Salvation Army anybody can help."

Salvation Army spokeswoman Kimberly George said the winning performance will be announced Monday.

George said the contest shows that anyone can ring a bell for the Salvation Army. She said many people asked during the event how their groups can get involved next year.

George said the Salvation Army is getting 30 percent more requests for help this year and has 3,000 names on the Angel Tree.

Contact Jeremy Belk at jbelk@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6345.