Press Release

WARSAW — The Warsaw Rotary Club announced during a Jan. 14 club meeting that more than $75,000 was raised through their annual Rotary Salvation Army Day.

President Seth Bradford announced that $75,718.67 was raised through donations, bell ringing and Rotary Toy Day.

“This is a record for the club,” said Bradford after the announcement. “We thank everyone who gave to make this possible.”

2021 marked the 56th annual event where the club has raised funds to support The Salvation Army and its efforts in serving others during Christmas and throughout the year. The event was formed in 1965 by Rotarian N. Bruce Howe to honor Brigadier Brice Phillipson, who was a fellow Rotarian and retired Salvation Army officer. The efforts that year resulted in just under $1,000 being collected.

Originally called “Brice Phillipson Day,” the name of the effort has changed over the years and is now called Rotary Salvation Army Day. Howe served as chairman for many years and later John Hall served as co-chair. Currently, Alan Alderfer and Envoy Ken Locke serve as co-chairs.

“The total is a record for the club,” said Alderfer. “Bruce would have been very surprised with how much was collected.”

The Salvation Army and the Warsaw Rotary Club have had a close relationship since 1921 when the Army was established in Warsaw 100 years ago. Many Rotarians have served on the advisory board of The Salvation Army over the years as they strive to follow their motto, “Service Above Self.”