The Warsaw Rotary Club held its 49th Annual “Rotary Salvation Army Day” at the club meeting on Wednesday.
Originally the event was called “Brice Phillipson Day” when it was formed in 1965 by Chairman Bruce Howe.
“We collected just a little under $1,000 that first year,” said Howe during the celebration. “I am so pleased where we have come in raising monies to support the needed services of The Salvation Army in our community.”
Howe has been given the distinction of chairman emeritus of the event as John R. Hall serves as chair and Ken Locke as the co-chair. It is estimated that well over $1 million has been collected for the annual Christmas campaign by the club.
“When I tell Rotarians in other communities how much Warsaw Rotary collects for The Salvation Army people are amazed,” Locke said.
“Our big thanks goes to Bruce Howe, John Hall, Jan Orban and all the many rotary members who make this much needed event possible,” said Lt. Esteban Pommier, Salvation Army commanding officer.
To date the club has collected $30,000, with more expected in the days to come
“We will announce a final total in early January to let people know the final results,” Hall said.
Former Rotarians and people who want to participate in this annual tradition may send a check payable to The Salvation Army to Warsaw Rotary Club, P.O. Box 1473, Warsaw, IN 46580.
(Story By The Times Union)
