Portland resident recognized nationally for volunteer spirit

9/7/2007

Contact: Rita Toalson, FLMI, ACS, (309) 732-8376

(Rock Island, IL)—Beverly Christman, Portland, has been selected as the 2007 Royal Neighbors of America Fraternalist of the Year. The non-profit membership organization, based in Rock Island, IL, requests nominations from its members for individuals who exemplify the basic ideals of volunteerism. Beverly is shown at right in the attached photo with Judith Tshibangu, marketing executive from the Royal Neighbors of America Home Office, who presented a plaque to Beverly during a gathering of the Portland chapter on Saturday, August 25, at the Canton Grill, 2610 S.E. 82nd, Portland.

Beverly, President of the Portland Royal Neighbors chapter, has been touching the lives of people all over the world with her caring spirit for many years and justly deserves this prestigious award.

Throughout the year, she crochets hats and afghans which she distributes to the homeless near the Rescue Mission, and she is responsible for starting two rose gardens at local nursing homes in memory of Portland’s veterans. Her spirit of giving also reaches overseas as she sends care packages to the women and men who are serving our country and donates toys and dolls to be sent to deserving children all over the world.

In addition to her local efforts, Beverly helps children across the country by:

• Donating hero packs and other needed items to the Ronald McDonald House for the families of children who have cancer
• Sending handmade cards to Cards for Kids in Jefferson, OH, for seriously ill children
• Making blankets for terminally ill children in Colorado for Project Linus
  

It is because of this devotion to her community and individuals all over the world that Beverly has been named the 2007 Royal Neighbors of America Fraternalist of the Year. In addition to this honor, Royal Neighbors will provide a cash donation of $1,000 to Beverly’s charity of choice, the Salvation Army’s Moore Street Community Center, Portland.

Royal Neighbors of America is a non-profit fraternal membership organization that insures lives, supports women, and serves communities. In addition to being able to purchase insurance products, its members also participate in a variety of locally based volunteer opportunities, and are eligible to receive benefits such as scholarships and disaster aid. 

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, Royal Neighbors serves more than 240,000 certificateholders, has $2.1 billion of insurance in force, and is licensed to do business in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit the Web site at www.royalneighbors.org.