Each year Meadowcrest Apartments in Luverne holds a rock-a-thon to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Association. Residents and administrators came up with something new this year and hosted a fundraiser resulting in the crowning of the complex’s first-ever royal couple.

Property manager Peggy Fowler Carroll said the man who raised the most money would be crowned king, and the woman getting the most donations would be queen.

“This is the first time Meadowcrest Apartments has ever had a king and queen,” Carroll said. Joseph Wossilek was named as king, and the queen crowned is Johnnie Pettus.

“They raised the money in a month-and-a-half time frame,” Carroll said. “Mr. Joe raised $1,000, and his goal was $500. Ms. Johnnie raised right at $600.”

Wosselik said he appreciates all of the donations and support.

“All of the people who gave are just as important and should be kings and queens too,” 94-year-old Wossilek said. “This was hard for me to do. I’ve always been a giver. I wrote letters to my friends. I used to be a minister in different states. I tell people all the time, you can mail letters and the donations will come to you.

Pettus said supports from a few states over supported her fundraising efforts.

“I had family and friends in Tennessee who helped me,” Pettus said.

Residents began fundraising efforts in 2018 as a means to support the Alzheimer’s Association.

“We began doing this for Alzheimer’s in 2018 and have done it every year since,” Carroll said. “We have had one of the top fund raisers in the state just about every year since then. People will still be taking donations and the day of the rock a thon will be announced once it is set.”

Wossilek wrote this poem after being crowned:

I’ve read or hear about many kings and queens,

in fiction and in fact.

Some ruled with velvet gloves or iron fists;

history recalled the way they act.

Some displayed enlarged egos,

others a heart of care.

Some felt themselves special,

while others chose their joy to share.

I understand the reason for a crown;

it’s a token that expresses thanks