Renton Bids Farewell And "godspeed" To Masango Family

The Renton community bid farewell to Capts. Terry and Rutendo Masango from the Renton Salvation Army Wednesday night at the Sixth Annual "Need Has No Season" fundraiser for the Renton Corps. .

Capt. Masango highlighted much of what has been accomplished during their five years in Renton in his presentation "We have a story to tell."

Twelve thousand people are currently being served monthly at the local food bank. And, in 2010, more than 213,000 residents depended upon the Salvation Army for food supplies.

"Every week, we see new families coming to the Food Bank," Masango said. "In this economy, they rely on The Salvation Army to help stretch their grocery dollars," he said.

During their tenure, the Renton Community Supper program expanded, and in April 2011, 1,105 people were served. The money raised at this event will continue to keep programs like this operational in the community.

At the fundraiser, two awards were presented to long-time volunteers, including 92-year-old Wilma Cluck, who has volunteered for 22 years, although she wasn't present at the event due to a recent surgery.

Also honored, was volunteer  for "partner in mission." Abrahamson gave more credit to his wife for giving out meals. "All I do is fix the toilet," he said to chuckles in the audience.

The Renton Corps staff voted Judith Lynn Bartlett the employee of the year for her tireless work running the program.

Capt. Terry accepted a check for $740 from Bob S. from All Star Company that held an employee 'Biggest Loser" fundraising contest; he lost 23 pounds. He gave the entire amount collected in the contest to the Salvation Army. When he told his story at his church, , matched his donation and added another $500.

Masango encouraged the crowd to continue to pursue his dreams for the future for the Renton Corps and shared his vision for growing programs after they depart.

Rev. Kirby Unti paid tribute to the Masangos and said they served as an example to others.

"The greatest way to get more out of life is to give more of yourselves," Unti said.

The Masangos never said "no" and seized every opportunity that they had to participate and to give, Unti said.

The event was hosted by Renton Corps Advisory Council members, and chaired by former Renton City Council member, Toni Nelson. Her committee members included Marcia Loreth, Councilmember Marcie Palmer, Debbie Russell, Janice Tanner, and Peggy Ziebarth.

The Masangos intend to depart for their new home on Friday, taking time to drive and enjoy a short vacation with their two girls.

Lt. Col. O'Brien, Divisional Commander, who has also been transferred out of Washington, gave closing remarks, prayers for the Masangos, and prayers for the new Corps leaders who will arrive on Friday.