New RN Magazine_so Far

College Chapters 4th Generation of 2017Annual
Feed the Hungry Grandma’s Coffee Cake Report INSIDE

theRoyal Neighbor
SUMMER 2018
Learn
where historic
Royal Neighbors
banners are
on display!
p. 18

DorothMemyberOwsley

creates hope for women in transition

A MESSAGE FROM CYNTHIA TIDWELL

Looking Back, Focusing Forward

As we welcome the summer It is because of these strong financial
season, we are proud to bring you numbers and our expertise and
a newly re-envisioned membership experience in the life insurance
publication. The Royal Neighbor marketplace that we are able to carry
magazine has been keeping members on the neighbor-helping-neighbor
informed and connected for almost mission our enlightened founders
120 years. It has come a long way from imagined over a century ago. The
printing ads for lace curtains in 1900, financial numbers demonstrate our
to highlighting the strong women we ability to help you, our members, build
empower through our financial products and philanthropic playgrounds for your children, refurbish libraries and senior
programs. Although the contents have changed to reflect the centers, feed the less fortunate and restore calm after natural
21st century, the magazine continues to provide relevant and disasters…whatever YOUR community needs.
timely information.
As I like to say, “The business funds the mission.” When you
You will notice we’ve added some new features which include purchase an annuity product or life insurance for your family,
a recipe from a member which “stirs up memories;” an article or recommend Royal Neighbors to your friends and neighbors,
about our members as they “gather to give;” a historical view of you are not only doing what’s best for your family financially,
the Society; and a special guest essay from one of our scholarship but you are making a difference for your community “family”
winners. I think you’ll enjoy the new look as well as the fresh as well. Just as skipping rocks in a pond has a ripple effect in
content. Be sure to let us know what you think! the water, you are creating a ripple effect of good in your own
neighborhood through your membership.
We are also pleased to present the report of our financial strength
in this issue. As we look back to 2017, our Annual Report We look forward with great anticipation to sharing with you
numbers once again demonstrate our successful operations both increased financial success, more impactful grassroots outreach
fiscally and philanthropically. With assets of $1 billion; $194 opportunities, and a more inclusive member experience.
million in surplus; and a total Social Good number of over $14
million, we are well-positioned to continue to meet the needs of Your President and CEO,
our members and their communities, a legacy that remains ever
part of our DNA.

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Nullam lorem turpis, scelerisque ac purus a, bibendum Our financial products
dignissim mauris. Curabitur semper nibh nec nisi
hendrerit porta. Sed sagittis laoreet massa, vitae help protect you & your family
rutrum nisi dapibus et. Nunc porttitor, ex bibendum
lobortis aliquet, velit sem egestas mauris, ac tincidunt Some people view life insurance as just another expense that comes due
diam sapien nec velit. Sed faucibus ipsum ipsum, id all too often. But it is so much more than just another bill to pay. It helps
eleifend sapien sodales sed. Donec venenatis magna protect you and your family financially. Annuities, too, offer an avenue
nec feugiat cursus. Aenean tempus enim mi, id of protection…for that all-important retirement when the time comes.
placerat neque bibendum eu. Maecenas eu accumsan
massa. Integer a massa efficitur, aliquam ligula et, Royal Neighbors offers three types of life insurance.
ullamcorper urna. Donec at lacus tellus. Vestibulum
feugiat lacus lectus, non tempus nisi mattis sed. Term insurance is a form of protection at a cost generally lower than
Mauris eget accumsan urna. Maecenas est dolor, other life insurance and fits within a smaller budget. It covers you for a
sagittis eu hendrerit posuere, maximus in eros. specific period of time (term). If you purchase a term product that has
a 20-year term, you are covered for the 20 years that you are making
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing payments. If you die during that 20-year period, we will pay out the
elit. Etiam vehicula, velit vitae consectetur vehicula, amount for which you are insured to your beneficiaries.
tortor neque eleifend mauris, sed ornare diam diam
nec massa. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur Whole life insurance provides coverage for your entire life and builds
adipiscing elit. Sed euismod ligula quis justo cash value (a cash accumulation component). Your payments are level
dignissim pulvinar. Quisque sit amet molestie lacus, and will not increase.
vel fermentum tellus. Etiam pretium scelerisque justo
in consequat. Praesent malesuada, nulla elementum Universal life insurance is permanent protection like whole life, but has
lacinia bibendum, dui nibh interdum justo, at semper options for adjustable payments to fit your changing needs.
augue arcu ut libero. Donec in rhoncus erat, sed
elementum diam. Vestibulum pulvinar est a mauris We offer fixed annuities, too.
blandit interdum. Cras scelerisque gravida luctus.
Etiam tempor, mi posuere fringilla pharetra, ipsum Fixed annuities offer an opportunity to accumulate cash on a tax-deferred
sem posuere lacus, et elementum ligula nisi ut purus. basis. They help ensure that you don’t outlive your money while creating
Praesent feugiat nibh lacus, ut rhoncus urna iaculis an income stream at retirement.
tincidunt. Nunc malesuada viverra ex, in interdum
metus malesuada quis. Praesent iaculis vehicula It’s important to take the appropriate steps to protect those you care
pellentesque. about. To learn more about how Royal Neighbors can assist you in
meeting the financial needs of your family, contact your agent or call
(866) 845-6665 today.

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GATHERING TO GIVE

College chapters feed the hungry

How many college students does it take to
feed 16,000 kids in two hours? About 200!

With the help of Kids Against Hunger and
plenty of organizational skills, members of
Chapter 20078, Rock Island, Illinois, pack-
aged 16,000 meals for hungry children around
the world. Led by Rachel Kammerzelt, chap-
ter leader and a senior at Augustana College,
students on the campus rallied together to
make a real difference in the lives of others.

This was the second year the students held
this event and it’s a favorite volunteer ac-
tivity campus-wide. “We start planning and
soliciting funds to help pay for the meals
about six months in advance,” shared Rachel.
“Other Royal Neighbors campus chapters are
happy to get involved through donations and
hands-on assistance. And members of a cam-
pus fraternity help us set up and tear down.”

Kids Against Hunger is committed to
eradicating hunger by distributing nutritious,
vitamin-fortified soy-rice casseroles to
starving children and their families in 70
countries. Over two billion meals have been
packaged and delivered by volunteers.

On a cold winter day on the Midwest cam-
pus, those volunteers included more than 200
energetic students who truly believe in the
cause. When the food was delivered by Kids
Against Hunger, the fun began. Two one-hour
shifts were scheduled with 100 students in
each. As they put the meals together through

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a well-oiled assembly line, they talked, told jokes, danced and planning and provide input. They need to feel like they are do-
sang. Each time a box of meals was completed, the students rang ing something meaningful,” she said. “And lots of lists and up-to-
a bell and everyone cheered. date spreadsheets help, too!”
Following chapter events, the chapter leadership team and plan-
“It’s easy to find volunteers for this event. It’s very popular,” ning committee get together to evaluate the activity and deter-
said Rachel. “We promote it through our Community Service mine what worked and what didn’t. “There is always room for
newsletter and follow up with quick, to-the-point email remind- improvement,” noted Rachel. “We not only want the event to be
ers. We also accept drop-in volunteers which makes it helpful successful for the cause, we also want to engage our volunteers
for our busy students.” in different roles and challenge them to expand their horizons.”

Rachel and her fellow chapter mem- “Volunteering Royal Neighbors opened its first col-
bers plan activities that resonate with lege chapter at Augustana in 2008
the student population and get every- IS A GREAT WAY TO and today there are 15 successful
one motivated to make a difference. chapters giving back to the school
As an example, they have participat- MEET PEOPLE AND and the community on a regular ba-
ed in a sexual assault awareness can- sis. In 2017-2018, the chapters raised
dlelight event, a Hurricane Harvey STAY CONNECTED.” nearly $14,000 for local and global
bake sale, a mental health awareness charities.
walk, Relay for Life and Toys for Tots.

They also have delivered carnations Rachel believes in Royal Neighbors.

to the residents of St. Anthony’s Care “I value its mission. Through our

facility and gathered for bell ringing on behalf of the Salvation chapter events, we learn strong leadership skills. Volunteering

Army. One of their most successful events is their annual car is a great way to meet people and stay connected. It reminds

and dog wash. us we don’t live in a bubble, it opens us to other organizations

and it expands our knowledge of ourselves and those around us.

What makes a successful event? According to Rachel, commu- College students are very busy, but if you’re passionate about

nication is key, before, during and after. “Inclusiveness is im- something, you’ll find the time. And our chapter is passionate

portant, too. Everyone who’s interested should be part of the about volunteering.”

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LOYALTY AND LEGACY

Dorothy Owsley

offering a fresh start for women just released from prison

Dorothy Owsley, Roanoke, Virginia, a member of Chapter the girls to visit their mothers in prison while also providing
50003, is a one-woman mission. Her volunteer work and mentorship to them during a very difficult time.
personal experience with inmates facing the daunting task of
rebuilding their lives after prison has driven her to provide When I returned to Virginia, I worked at Goodwill as the
hope for women in transition. Dorothy, whose own daughter prisoner re-entry specialist. I have a daughter who was in and
spent years in and out of prison, founded Transitional Options out of prison most of her adult life here in Virginia.
for Women (TOFW), an organization that Royal Neighbors
named as a 2017 Nation of NeighborsSM grant recipient for her One of the big issues for women, once they are released and
groundbreaking work. return to Roanoke, was that there wasn’t housing or training
— no help for them at all. That sparked my interest to open
Why did you start TOFW? Transitional Options for Women.
I founded the organization in 2005 when I volunteered at a
women’s prison in the state of Washington. I ran a special Girl How many women have gone through the program?
Scout troop called, “Girl Scouts Beyond Bars,” which is for We have served 70 women through TOFW. Other community
girls who have mothers in prison. These troops are recognized organizations also send clients to us if they need clothing, services
and part of the national Girl Scouts organization. I would take or emergency shelter services for mothers and daughters.

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TOFW provides a safe place for ladies to live and also transitional
training to rebuild their lives. We encourage education and help
them get medical, mental health, housing, job training, religious
and other resources to meet their needs.

Now, when a woman is released, she has a place at TOFW to Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
stay and get connected with all the resources she’ll need to get
back on her feet. We help prepare her for employment to support
herself and her family.

How has Royal Neighbors’ Nation of Neighbors made a How would you describe your leadership style?
difference for you? I take ownership of everything: the good, the bad the ugly. I take
The grant helped us secure equipment to open a community responsibility and am vigilant. I pay attention to detail and will
coffee shop we are calling “West End Blend.” Those espresso not be swayed by what others think. People told me “You can’t
machines and grinders are very expensive! Women will be able do this. You can’t fight City Hall.” I told them, “I may not, but
to work at the shop and learn valuable job skills. The shop is I serve a God, who can!” I put my faith in Him, and voilà, here
scheduled to open by mid-year, 2018. We will also lease the I am!
whole building and there will be rental

apartments above for our residents as “Your word is who you are, What has been your biggest
they gain independence. accomplishment?

What is the best piece of advice and if you can’t keep your I am raising my 7-year-old
you’ve ever received? word, you have nothing.” great-grandchild. I am 66. To see
The best piece of advice came from him walk his road is my greatest
my dad. He told me, “Your word is accomplishment. He’s smart and
who you are, and if you can’t keep polite, on the honor roll and just a joy!

your word, you have nothing.” What message would you like to share with our members

Who has been the biggest influence on you? about giving back and making a difference?
Overall, when I reflect on who I am, it’s my father. When he was I would say it doesn’t take much to make a difference — whether
divorced, he took on responsibility for the kids. No matter what, it’s a smile or a conversation. Be true to yourself. Keep God,
he never said a bad word to anyone. He never made a promise who keeps His word, and put one foot in front of the other. Just
that he didn’t keep. He was always firm, but fair. do it!
 

What makes a good leader? Do you know a woman doing extraordinary things?
A good leader is a person who can follow, will listen and is strong Tell us about her! [email protected]
enough to say “no” but humble enough to say “yes.” A good
leader must do the things we ask of others.

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THE ROYAL NEIGHBORS FOUNDATION

What is the Royal Neighbors
Foundation and what does it do?

The Royal Neighbors Foundation was created to empower women financially and How will you be
encourage them to know their worth. Throughout its history, it has accomplished this remembered?
through scholarships for female veterans, Habitat for Humanity builds, and personal
workshops developed for financial education.

Today, to further its mission of Building Women’s Futures Through Financial EducationSM, As a member of Royal Neighbors
the Foundation offers scholarships to women who are studying insurance or finance. These of America, you have honored our
Build Your WorthSM scholarships are a stepping stone to a satisfying career that can past and helped build our future.
develop in many directions. You have embraced our mission to
empower women financially and
The Foundation’s Know Your Worth® grants were designed for women who want to have made a difference in your
expand an existing small business or create a start-up with less than five employees. Nadia community, one good deed at
Ruffin, the 2017 recipient, is using the $10,000 grant to build her business, Quiwi Produce. a time.
An urban farmer, she grows food for her community using hydroponics, while offering
classes on organic farming and gardening. You have the opportunity to share a
legacy that aligns with your purpose
Whether we have a million dollars or a few hundred, we still enjoy tips about how to to give back and make life better for
manage them. Webinars and online articles offer sound financial advice as women and women and their families.
their families go about living their lives. Whether buying a house, paying for college,
adding to the family, changing careers or planning for retirement, the Royal Neighbors By leaving a gift to the Royal Neighbors
Foundation is a great resource for information. Foundation, you will be helping women
reach their financial goals. As they be-
Every woman has a different life journey as a  friend, a wife, a mother, a college graduate, come more confident and secure, they
a business owner, a soldier, a stay-at-home caretaker, a multitasker extraordinaire…the list will pass along their knowledge and
goes on and on. Needs change along the way but what remains constant is the need for have the means to further support and
financial stability, confidence, education and sometimes, assistance.  build their communities.

Thank you for your donation to the Foundation! To learn more about donating to the
Royal Neighbors Foundation, visit
$500 Chapter 378 – Effingham, IL $200 Chapter 20081 – Blue Grass, IA royalneighborsfoundation.org.
To receive a free Personal Record Book,
$218.14 Chapter 1129 – Bradley, IL $122.15 Imagine Nation Books contact (800) 537-1396, or editor@
royalneighbors.org
$200 Chapter 378 – Effingham, IL $100 Chapter 2184 – Rapid City, SD

$200 Chapter 2845 – Sioux Falls, SD $100 Chapter 8753 – Hillsboro, OR

$200 Chapter 8778 – Selby, SD $100 Chapter 9673 – Hettinger, ND

$200 Chapter 8778 – Selby, SD Date 1 - Date 2, 2018

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LOOKING BACK

Historical Royal Neighbors banners
featured in Country Living magazine

Royal Neighbors of America has adhered to its founding principles with treasures in Franklin, Tennessee. “Faith,” “Endurance” and
for over 123 years. Faith, Unselfishness, Courage, Endurance and “Unselfishness” were purchased for Ms. Williams’ home and hung
Modesty, or the five Graces as they are historically known, have on her living room wall.
played an integral role in our history.
“These banners tell a story and display great words of inspiration,”
When Royal Neighbors was founded in the late 19th century, new said Mr. Dohler. “They have a beautiful patina and when I saw
members were initiated as they joined the organization. During them I was shocked that they looked so good because they are
a beautiful ceremony, members learned about our principles obviously old. Now knowing their history with Royal Neighbors
through the banners shown here. Each banner is exemplified by an makes them an even better find.”
inspirational statement describing the specific Grace. The banners
and their icons correspond with the Society’s original logo. Life has changed mightily in the past 100 years. With each
generation comes updated technology, new inventions, enhanced
Our founders and members are not the only ones who find beauty communication tools and a generally faster-paced lifestyle.
in these colorful banners. Holly Williams, daughter of Hank However, Royal Neighbors remains dedicated to the five principles
Williams, Jr., has “graced” her home with three of the banners, and on which it was founded, all of which symbolize the founders’
Country Living magazine featured her newly designed home in its strength, determination and commitment to their mission to
March 2018 issue. empower women and improve their communities.

The banners were found in a church and ultimately sold at an auction Faith, Unselfishness, Courage, Endurance, Modesty….values that
to Rick Dohler and Craig Hentrich, owners of CR-71, a store filled never go out of style.

See the banners on display in Holly Williams’ home by viewing the article online at the below location:
https://www.countryliving.com/home-design/house-tours/g18212190/holly-williams-farmhouse-renovation/

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