Fraternal Advantage - Fall 2009

Bethlehem Resident Honored for His Volunteer Service
John Ferri honored as fourth runner-up Fraternalist of the Year by the National Fraternal Congress of America.

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) recognized John Ferri—a member of Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union (LPSCU), Branch #83, in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania—for his outstanding volunteer efforts.  Ferri was recently named fourth runner-up for the NFCA’s 2009 Fraternalist of the Year award, recognizing the nation’s top volunteers among the almost 10 million members affiliated with NFCA’s member-societies.  He was recognized at the 123rd NFCA Annual Meeting in San Antonio, Texas.
 

“John Ferri is a shining example of what it means to be a fraternalist,” said NFCA President and CEO Joseph J. Annotti.  “We are pleased to honor John for selflessly giving his time to serve his community in so many ways.”

John Ferri is very active in the LPSCU Branch #83, helping with the Christmas party, the annual Mother/Daughter Luncheon and this year’s 110th Anniversary picnic.  Ferri also supports his parish, Incarnation of Our Lord, with dinners, bus trips and ushering.  He supports the Cardinal Tomko Chapter of the Slovak Catholic Federation in their fundraisers and the annual Slovak Day Flag Raising Ceremony at Allentown City Hall Plaza.

Every Monday, Ferri teaches bowling to Special Olympians and has volunteered at the Special Olympics track meet.  He also serves as a mentor to autistic children from the Bethlehem Area MORA Club.  Last Christmas, in Santa garb, he visited and gifted over 750 patients in Gracedale, Northampton County’s Nursing Home in Nazareth.

A cancer survivor, Ferri volunteered at last year’s Relay for Life event at Liberty High School, providing water and snacks during three four-hour shifts. In October 2008, Ferri was the recipient of the Pro Ecclesia et Pontiface Award, the highest award a lay person can receive, signed by Pope Benedict XVI.

About the Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union
Headquartered in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, the Ladies Pennsylvania Slovak Catholic Union (LPSCU) is a fraternal benefit society.  Its mission is to spread and foster the Catholic faith; to foster a spirit and practice of true fraternalism; to perpetuate an appreciation of ethnic culture and heritage; to instill patriotic zeal for the United States of America; and to provide affordable insurance benefits to its members.  For more information, visit www.lpscu.org.