MOUNT VERNON — Food For The Hungry (FFTH) presented Salvation Army Capt. Christine Moretz with the Zelkowitz Memorial Award for Community Service during the live broadcast on Dec. 12.
The award, sponsored by Mount Vernon Nazarene University (MVNU), recognizes an individual whose tireless dedication and community leadership embody a spirit of service and compassion.
MVNU President Carson Castleman and FFTH President Austin Swallow presented the award and praised Moretz’s faith-filled leadership.
“On behalf of MVNU, we are excited to give this award to you,” Castleman said. “As I watched your testimonial video, I saw all throughout it the tapestry of Jesus Christ.
“Thank you for your service to this community — and thank you for your service to the
Kingdom.”
Swallow echoed that sentiment.
“Christine is a true friend. She does live what she preaches, and I appreciate that the most about her,” he said.
Moretz responded with humility and gratitude in accepting the honor.
“I give God all the glory. It is because of Him that I live and breathe, and I am able to do what I can do for others,” she said.
“We don’t get it right all the time, but I do my best to love the Lord through service to others and to love his people — because He loves me and He loves you. I’m so very honored and humbled and grateful. To God be the glory! Thank you – thank you to this community.”
The Zelkowitz Award
The Zelkowitz Memorial Award is presented annually during the broadcast to a citizen of Knox County who exemplifies a spirit of community service, particularly in relation to Food For The Hungry.
MVNU presents the award in memory of Stephen Zelkowitz, former president and general manager of Mount Vernon Broadcasting and president of Mount Vernon Cablevision.
As a community leader in various charitable events, Zelkowitz supported FFTH founder Charlie Kilkenny’s vision and helped grow the Food For The Hungry initiative in Knox County.
A spirit of community service
Moretz serves as the commanding officer of The Salvation Army Mount Vernon Corps, where her leadership, compassion, and unwavering dedication have become an anchor of hope for the community she affectionately calls her “second home.”
Born in Hempstead, NY, Moretz’s childhood as a “Salvation Army officer’s kid” fostered a deep-seated heart for people, taking her family to New York, New Jersey, Puerto Rico, and Ohio. These experiences planted the seeds of service that would later define her calling.
Before her full-time ministry, she built a successful career in early childhood education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati while working as the child care director at Glenwood Childcare Center in Columbus and raising her two children, Michael and Victoria.
Answering a lifelong call to officership in 2011, The Salvation Army commissioned her as an ordained officer in 2013. After serving in Youngstown, she was appointed to lead the Mount Vernon Corps, where her impact has been profound.
Moretz’s work reflects The Salvation Army’s mission: to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and meet human needs in Christ’s name without discrimination.
Her leadership is characterized by humility, tireless service, and a genuine love for every person who walks through her doors. She is a hard-working, dedicated, and selfless servant committed to building a better tomorrow for the Mount Vernon community.
Under her leadership, The Salvation Army has expanded critical services addressing food insecurity, housing and utility assistance, access to child care, supervised visitation, and support for families in crisis.
Community leaders consistently point to her collaborative
spirit, steady leadership, and genuine care for every individual she serves.
Slide show emphasizes Moretz’s grace and hard work
A slideshow and audio clips shown during the video emphasized Moretz’s grace and hard work in Knox County.
“Obviously, your work to address food insecurity issues through the food pantry and in so many other big and small ways is especially relevant and appropriate to highlight at this time of year,” said Jeffery Scott, executive director of the Knox County Foundation. “But there are so many other areas in which you have made a difference, providing utility and rent assistance to those in need,”
“The list really does go on and on. You have always been a willing partner, a trusted confidant, and a warm and friendly colleague with whom I could share ideas, ask for feedback, or call in a time of need.
“Those are often the most important parts of what community service really means. Congratulations on this honor, and thank you for all you’ve done for our community to deserve this award.”
Jen Odenweller, director of The Ariel Foundation, said, “Captain Christine’s heart is filled with love for all in our community. No matter what the issue or challenge is, you find a warm smile and a quick nod as she answers her call to service and rises to each occasion.”
Knox County Commissioner Bill Pursel said Capt. Christine’s passion to serve the community is contagious.
“She has pulled together many people to meet our community’s needs. I’m thankful for her leadership to help our county provide affordable childcare, provide more healthy options for our neighbors experiencing food insecurity, and provide a place for supervised visitations,” he said.
“The Knox County Commissioners wholeheartedly support her efforts and congratulate her on this appropriate recognition.”
The intersection of faith and service
“Your leadership with the Mount Vernon Salvation Army exemplifies the very spirit of this recognition,” Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr said.
“Through seasons of plenty and seasons of challenge, your steady devotion to our most vulnerable neighbors has been a testament to what faithful service truly looks like. The countless lives touched through your work, in often unseen and quiet ways, are a living reflection of the legacy this award represents. …
“The Stephen Zelkowitz Award for Community Service stands at the powerful intersection of faith and service, and you embody both with grace. Your ministry has reminded our community that service rooted in faith is not merely a duty, but a calling — one that transforms not only those in need but also those who answer that call.”
Zach Shoro, child care education director at The Salvation Army of Mount Vernon, recalled that on his first day at The Salvation Army, he entered the building to the smell of dough and baking.
Moretz, wearing an apron to keep her Army uniform clean, was baking dozens of chocolate chip cookies as a thank you to first responders for their service to the community.
Later, as others hurried about fulfilling requests for food box orders, Moretz was “notably not in a hurry.”
“She engaged with people slowly, inviting them into her office to share their stories and lives with her, always speaking with them as an equal, with dignity and respect,” Shoro said.
“Over the last six years, I’ve watched Capt. Christine meet our community with that same gentle determination. She proudly wears her uniform, representing The Salvation Army. But she understands that to truly serve our community, you sometimes have to get a little baking powder on your uniform.”
A tribute from her children
Moretz’s children also gave touching messages.
Her son, Mike Baker, sent in a voice message, saying, “Hey, Mom! I just wanted to say congratulations. I know sometimes the days seem long. But I hope this helps you realize just how much of an impact you can have on a community.”
Her daughter, Victoria, and her grandson sent in a video.
“Congratulations! We are both so proud of you and so happy for you for winning this award,” Victoria said. “You are absolutely deserving of it. You are an incredibly hard worker; you are resilient.
“I’ve loved to see your passion for this community and the heart that you have for people. You are inspiring us every day. We couldn’t be prouder. We love you so much, and we are so happy for you.”
The live broadcast video is available at MVNU.tv in the on-demand tab and will be available for a full year.
The Zelkowitz Memorial Award is presented at the 44-minute and 27-second mark in the broadcast.
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