Royal Neighbors of America Member Shirley Lester named Fraternal MVP
2/25/2008
Contact: Rita Toalson, FLMI, ACS (309) 732-8376
ROCK ISLAND, IL– Royal Neighbors of America is proud to recognize Shirley Lester, a member of Chapter 1570, Tampico, Il, as a Fraternal MVP (Most Valuable Participant) for the week of February 18, 2008. Fraternal MVPs are “Fraternalists-in-Action” who volunteer their time and energy to strengthen their communities through participation in local chapter activities and other charitable endeavors.
“We are very proud of Shirley and her volunteer efforts,” said Cynthia Tidwell, Royal Neighbors President/CEO. “She embodies our mission of neighbor-helping-neighbor through her hard work, dedication, and generosity.”
Lester has been very active in Giving Tree for the past 12 years, raising money to help needy families at Christmastime. She started a Festival of Trees fund-raiser, asking local businesses to decorate Christmas trees and then auctioned the trees. This past year, the auction raised $4,000.
Lester started the Tampico Area Revitalization Project (TARP) in her community. She organized a kick-off fundraiser and solicited community donations. The event raised more than $3,000 for the beautification of Reagan Park. In the past year, TARP added a wooden gazebo, sidewalks and old lights to the park. Lester herself solicited donations for flowers; she then planted and cared for them all summer long.
Because she believes it’s important to get children involved in the community Lester is also active in her church’s Children’s Outreach Program. This past year, they have held an ice cream social, decorated gingerbread houses, and had a Mardi Gras parade.
“I help out where ever I am needed in the community. If I can help out I feel like I’m accomplishing my mission in life.” Lester said.
Fraternal MVPs are part of the Fraternalists-in-Action program sponsored by the National Fraternal Congress of America, which recognizes individuals whose unique stories best represent 21st century fraternalism. The winning fraternalists demonstrate exceptional compassion and vision through their volunteer activities.
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 and annuity products, its members also participate in a variety of locally based volunteer opportunities, and are eligible to apply for benefits such as scholarships and disaster aid.
Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, Royal Neighbors serves more than 230,000 members, has $2.1 billion of insurance in force, and is licensed to do business in 42 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.
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