Fraternal Focus

Remember the Victims of Recent Spring Storms

This has been a devastating spring weather season for many areas as witnessed by the tornadoes pummeling the south last month.  And now the flooding of the Mississippi River in Louisiana and elsewhere.  We have many members that live in these areas, but have not heard whether any have been affected by these storms.  Our thoughts and prayers certainly go out to the victims. 

If you would like to help with the support efforts in these areas, please remember the American Red Cross.  Donations to this organization helps the victims of the flooding and tornadoes.  If you do donate, remember the Growth Ring Matching Gift program and double your donation up to $250.   

National Member Food Drive Gets a Boost!

Woodmen of the World/Assured Life Association’s Danish Brotherhood Lodge 227 in Detroit, Michigan kicks off this year’s National Member Food Drive with a BANG!  Members of the lodge voted to donate $1,000 to the Salvation Army; designated to help feed the hungry.  Bob Buckhave, a member of the lodge, spearheaded the decision by bringing information from the DenverWoodmen Blog, our website and email appeals to the lodge meeting!  What a great way to boost our efforts to help the hungry again this year.  Bob Buckhave later shared this; “I’m just glad we are able to help in this drive.  These are very bad times for so many people and we have been blessed in our lives so it’s the right thing to do.  Thank you for putting this together.”

Thank you members of Danish Brotherhood Lodge 227!  Follow Detroit Danish Brotherhood lodge’s lead  and consider what you might do to help us in our efforts to feed the hungry this year.  We have 3 simple ways you can help.  Visit our Calendar of Events to see how. 

Helping feed the hungry through our Virtual Food Drive is just a click away!    Click on the “Click Here” link below and then click on the “Give Now” button below the Goal thermometer.                                                                                    

CLICK HERE For the Virtual Food Drive

Albert Lea, Minnesota Member Helps Organize Community Sew Day!

Sue Westrum and her sister, Karen Nelson, (member of Woodmen of the World/Assured Life Association’s Danish Brotherhood Lodge 75 in Albert Lea, MN), organized the first-ever Community Sew Day in Albert Lea, Minnesota through the local Shinefest organization last September 2010.  The event drew 40 participants, completing kits for three projects.

45 quilts were made and distributed to the Salvation Army, Crime Victims Crisis Center and Youth for Christ.  Pictured below is Karen Nelson (right) presenting quilts made from the September Community Sew Day to Youth for Christ.

In addition, more than 50 dresses were made to be sent to an orphanage in Jamaica and 100 uniform bags were made and sent to an orphanage in Bogota, Columbia. 

Two Community Sew Days are planned for 2011.  Great job Karen!  Keep up the good works.

Source: Albert Lea Tribune, Albert Lea, Minnesota, Contributor, Sarah Stultz.

Society Awards $55,000 in College Scholarships

94 college scholarship applications were reviewed and judged for this year’s scholarship awards.  Competition for these scholarships is getting fierce, with 74 students receiving scholarships.

The essay was a tough one this year;  ”Do you believe there’s a generation gap?  Describe the differences between your generation and others.”  The topic itself is not that difficult, but to present the subject matter in an interesting and creative way, did present some difficulty.

If you missed our college scholarship deadline this year, remember to put it on your calendar, in your cell phone, on your computer calendar, etc. for next year.  The deadline is March 15 every year.   

Growth Ring Matching Gift Gaining Momentum

It is great to see the Growth Ring Matching Gift program gain momentum and increased utilization this year.  So far this year, the Society has joined with benefit members to donate a total of $6,650 to charity!  For this same period last year, our donations totaled $5,140.  That is a 29% increase in giving from last year.  This is what we want for this program.  So, as you consider your favorite charities, remember the Growth Ring Matching Gift and double your donation (up to $250).

  

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