In 1848, there was a widespread outbreak of cholera in Vilna.  Rabbi Yisroel Salanter organized 60 to 70 young men to aid the sick.  He personally was in charge of raising funds for medication and convinced doctors to donate their services.  Rav Yisroel was especially worried that people would fast on Yom Kippur and thereby endanger their loves.  He therefore gave a blanket dispensation to eat and drink on Yom Kippur.  To insure that everyone would eat, Rabbi Salanter publicly made kiddush and ate in the synagogue. ~ Tnuas Hamussar as quoted by R’ Zelig Pliskin