Pictured, from left, are Ken Locke, Alan Alderfer, Major Trish Welch, DeeAnna Muraski and John Hall.

WARSAW — The Warsaw Rotary Club announced its annual total for Rotary Salvation Army Day by collecting $38,000 for The Salvation Army of Kosciusko County. The event was formed in 1965 by N. Bruce Howe to honor Brigadier Brice Phillipson for his longtime work for the organization. 

“Bruce told us that a little under $1,000 was raised that year,” noted John Hall, chairman of the fundraiser. “We estimate that the Warsaw Rotary Club has raised about $1.2 million dollars for The Salvation Army over 52 years.”

In a surprise at the meeting Hall was named Chairman Emeritus of the event by Ken Locke, Rotarian and community ministries director of The Salvation Army. 

“John has volunteered for this event for 50 years since joining the club in 1967, ” Locke shared.  “He has given to our community in so many different ways. We wanted to make sure that we honored his efforts.” 

Locke and Alan Alderfer serve on the committee and will co-chair for next year. The Warsaw Rotary Club has had a long-time relationship with The Salvation Army since 1921 when the Army came to Warsaw. 

“2017 marks the 96th Annual outreach to others in Kosciusko County by the organization and Rotary has been with us every year,” Locke concluded before Hall announced the total. 

DeeAnna Muraski, president of Warsaw Rotary, thanked everyone with final remarks, “Our motto is Service Above Self as Rotarians. I can’t think of a better way of serving than collecting toys, ringing bells and collecting monies for The Salvation Army to help not only at Christmas but throughout the year.”