By JONI TRUEX
Secretary, Kiwanis Club of Warsaw

WARSAW — Kiwanis Club of Warsaw member Don Bergen was recently recognized for his contributions to the Eliminate project. Eliminate Chairman Michael Bergen, Alderfer & Bergen and President Renea Salyer, Junior Achievement of Northeast Indiana, presented the Zeller Award to Bergen.

In order to be named a Walter Zeller Feller, a member must contribute a minimum of $1,250 to the Kiwanis International Eliminate Project. This donation saves or protects more than 690 women and their future babies from maternal neonatal tetanus. Walter Zeller Fellows are recognized with a medallion, certificate and commemorative lapel pin — and, most importantly, the knowledge they helped fill more than 690 lives with unlimited possibilities.

The Eliminate Project is a joint effort between Kiwanis International and UNICEF. This deadly disease steals the lives of nearly 60,000 innocent babies and a significant number of women each year. The effects of the disease are excruciating — tiny newborns suffer repeated, painful convulsions and extreme sensitivity to light and touch.

To eliminate Maternal Neonatal Tetanus from the earth, more than 100 million mothers and their future babies must be immunized. This requires vaccines, syringes, safe storage, transportation, thousands of skilled staff and more. It will take $110 million — and the dedicated work of UNICEF and every member of the Kiwanis family to ensure the success of this project. According to the Kiwanis International Eliminate website, over $100 million has been raised. There are 24 countries remaining with Maternal Neonatal Tetanus disease.

Congratulations to Don Bergen for giving generously to help eliminate this dreadful disease.

Kiwanis is a global organization of volunteers dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Kiwanis Club of Warsaw meets weekly from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursdays at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds in the Shrine Building. Guests and visitors are welcome.

For more information visit the club website and/or our Facebook page.