Charlie Garner, 100, a Normandy Veteran, attended the Kosciusko Senior Services’ fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 28, and shared how the agency has impacted his life. Photo provided.

By Scott Clay
Kosciusko Senior Services Board Director

NORTH WEBSTER — The inaugural dinner fundraiser Saturday, Oct. 28, hosted by Kosciusko Senior Services, took Kosciusko County, by storm, uniting the community for an unforgettable evening of music, merriment and philanthropy.

The event saw over 20 tables filled and over 170 enthusiastic guests in attendance, demonstrating the strong community support for Kosciusko Senior Services. The total amount raised during this memorable evening was an impressive $37,478, a testament to the generosity and community spirit of Kosciusko County.

The centerpiece of this fundraiser was a mesmerizing Dueling Pianos performance, brought to life by PianoWars.com and their Entertainment Director, Dave Caruso, who also took to the keys. The crowd was enraptured as two brilliant pianists faced off, delivering an electrifying musical showdown that spanned genres, eliciting cheers and applause from every corner of the room.

The evening was a tapestry of musical magic, with spirited sing-alongs, impromptu dance-offs, and an abundance of crowd engagement. Guests eagerly participated in a heartwarming display of support through the tip jar, with Wildman Uniform Company generously matching contributions.

An engaging silent auction, featuring over 40 items donated by local businesses and community members, further heightened the excitement. Items ranged from dinners in Kosciusko County to outdoor umbrellas, botox treatments from Hollar Dentists, Weathertech floor mats from Toyota of Warsaw, restaurant gift cards, sports tickets, quilts, and an array of delightful surprises.

Attendees were also given the opportunity to make tax-deductible donations while securing exciting vacation packages.

The night’s Master of Ceremonies, Jeff Owens, a local realtor, skillfully guided the event, weaving humor and warmth throughout the evening, leaving no moment without laughter.

The night’s special guest, Normandy Veteran Charlie Garner, at 100 years old, shared a touching testimony of how senior services have positively impacted his life. David Neff, executive director of Kosciusko Senior Services, introduced Garner and extended heartfelt appreciation to the senior services board of directors, for their instrumental roles in crafting this extraordinary event.

The evening wouldn’t have been possible without the generous support of its main sponsors: Wildman Uniform Group, Maple Leaf Farms, Alderfer Bergen, and the Bowen Center. These sponsors added unique and spooky centerpieces that perfectly complemented the Halloween season. Warsaw Party Rental also played a crucial role by providing captivating decorations that dazzled the audience.

The venue, The Owls Nest, set the perfect atmosphere with dimmed lighting and a delectable menu featuring a chicken and brisket buffet and beef shank with asparagus.

Scott Clay, RQAW Engineering, and Ashley Dillon, Syracuse-Wawasee Chamber Executive Director, both dedicated board members, were recognized for their significant contributions to table filling and event organization. Clay says, “It’s important to stay as involved in your community as you’re able to. I want to give a huge thank you to all of our guests who came out to support our county’s senior citizens who need help with transportation, home delivered meals and providing a place of companionship for our seniors.

Neff, executive director of Kosciusko Senior Services, expressed his gratitude, stating, “We are overwhelmed by the incredible success of our inaugural fundraiser and the tremendous support we received from our sponsors and the community. This event has set the stage for future initiatives to benefit our seniors, and we are deeply grateful to all who made it possible.”

The Kosciusko Community Foundation provided Senior Services with the initial funding to create the framework for its ongoing fundraising campaign. While the first set of funds went into building this foundation, more money was needed to spread its message effectively within the community. Due to the success of this fundraiser, Kosciusko Senior Services can now guarantee that it will have the extra resources necessary to both communicate its message and ensure the annual continuation of this event. Senior Services expresses its gratitude to the Kosciusko Community Foundation for its essential support.

For more information about Kosciusko Senior Services and upcoming events, visit kosciuskoseniorservices.org or contact (574) 267-2012.