KOSCIUSKO — Bob Sanders was guest speaker at the Altrusa International of Warsaw meeting on Thursday, Jan. 19, at Richard’s Restaurant. His program focused on the Kosciusko County Cancer Care Fund. He shared that the fund began in 1999 when a group of county citizens banded together to build a fund to directly assist cancer patients in our county. Bob and his wife, Sharon (a member of Altrusa), know firsthand what it is like to face this disease as they have both been previous cancer patients.

Bob Sanders speaking during the meeting.

The purpose of the fund is to provide financial assistance to local cancer patients so they can focus more on treatments and recovery instead of being burdened with worries about finances. Well over $100,000 is given to these families in financial support each year. Areas of assistance are rent/mortgage, utilities, car payments/repairs/insurance, food, gas, health/life insurance, medications and lodging.

The committee for the CCF organizes a gala, auction, battle of the bands, golf outing and other events to benefit the fund.  Individual donations, estate gifts and memorials for loved ones also help the fund grow.  The committee members are all volunteers so all the funds raised go straight to the CCF.

Altrusa International of Warsaw is part of an international non-profit organization making local communities better through leadership, partnership and service.  The local club has served the Kosciusko County area since 1973.  The club’s next meeting will take place at noon at the KREMC building at 370 South CR250E in Warsaw on Thursday, Feb. 2.  Individuals interested in serving our community are encouraged to attend to learn more about the club’s local projects.  More information may also be found by visiting Altrusa-Warsaw on Facebook.