Salvation Army tea is April 5

By Bill Robinson
Register News Writer

Tue, May 13 2008

— “As soon as the Salvation Army Women’s Auxiliary finishes gathering and distributing Christmas food bags, Angel Tree gifts and stocking filled with children in mind, we must begin plans for the annual auxiliary tea,” said JoAnn Walker, who co-chairs the event.
The tea is scheduled for April 5 in the Christian Life Center of First Presbyterian Church in Richmond.
“We expect this year’s tea to sell out, just as in years past,” said co-chair Nancy Daniel. In recent years, 200 have attended the fundraising event.
Mystery writers and Eastern Kentucky University professors Dr. Hal Blythe and Dr. Charlie Sweet will entertain for the event. “They will provide a unique program by reading from their work and talk about the fun side of teaching, writing and publishing,” Walker said.
Together, the two popular professors have staged 14 interactive mysteries at state parks and historical locations. Among their many successes, they have published more than 50 short stories, ranging from Ellery Queen’s Mystery Magazine to Home Life magazine.
Funds raised at the tea are used throughout the year to support Salvation Army services in Madison, Estill, Lee and Rockcastle counties.
This past year, more than $15,500 raised by the auxiliary has helped provide assistance to nearly 300 families, said Karen Losson, the agency’s director of social services.
Reservations are required for the tea, and no tickets will be sold at the door.
Reservations may be obtained by calling 624-5826 or by contacting auxiliary members.
The auxiliary’s membership of 48 includes business, professional and retired women. During the Christmas season, they helped prepare and distribute 500 bags of food, Daniel said.
Members distributed bags to be filled by volunteers who filled them by purchasing items from a list products to ensure each would provide an ample Christmas dinner. The projected was co-chaired by Peggy Coe and Carol Woolverton.
The auxiliary also helped organize the Angel Trees placed in local businesses and made sure enough stockings were filled with gifts to provide for all of the 982 children for whom applications were made, Walker said.

By Bill Robinson can be reached at brobinson@richmondregister.com or at 623-1669, Ext. 267.