Fraternal Advantage - Fall 2009

Conway Resident Honored for His Volunteer Service
William Hegeman named second runner- up Fraternalist of the Year by the National Fraternal Congress of America.

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) recognized William “Bill” Hegeman, a member of Catholic Knights, Branch #994, in Conway, Arkansas, for his outstanding volunteer efforts.  Hegeman was named second 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.

“Bill Hegeman is a shining example of what it means to be a fraternalist,” said NFCA President and CEO Joseph Annotti.  “We are impressed by the many marvelous works that Mr. Hegeman undertakes, and the dedication he has to his community.  He truly represents the mutual aid and commitment our societies have promised for more than a century.”

Hegeman has been a lifelong member of Catholic Knights.  Devoted to his branch and the society, he engages in Catholic Knights’ activities on multiple levels.  He attends local branch meetings to discuss fundraising plans and activities, and serves as lead director on Catholic Knights’ national board of directors.

A man who values the community and fraternal relationships, Hegeman seeks opportunities to stay connected to his fellow branch members.  “Bill is always a huge supporter of Catholic Knights,” said Margaret Tinker, Branch #994 secretary-treasurer.  “He speaks about the benefits of being a member, and at each meeting, he keeps the branch informed about what is going on at the national level.  On the local level, Bill has been instrumental in planning and organizing all events.” 

Along with event planning, Hegeman contributes a large portion of his time toward fundraising projects sponsored by Branch #994.  In December 2008, he played a vital role in the coordination efforts of a basketball tournament hosted by the branch to raise funds for the local Catholic high school’s sports program.
 

In addition to being a member of the local branch, Hegeman has been involved on the national level for many years.  Hegeman was appointed to the Catholic Knights board of directors in July of 2005, following the merger of Catholic Knights of America with Catholic Knights.  In September of 2006, he was elected to Catholic Knights’ board of directors at the Triennial Convention.  Hegeman was selected in October 2007 to be lead director of the board.  In this position, he chairs board meetings, executive committee meetings and membership committee meetings.

According to Catholic Knights President and CEO Bill O’Toole, “Bill Hegeman’s leadership style has helped Catholic Knights’ board of directors coalesce as a team.  By incorporating best practices in governance and creating an open atmosphere in which everyone is allowed to be heard, the board has developed a shared sense of commitment to placing members first in our deliberations.  Bill’s terrific sense of humor is matched only by his timely insights and humility.  They say you’re known by the company you keep.  Catholic Knights is proud to be associated with Bill Hegeman.”

About Catholic Knights
Catholic Knights is a not-for-profit membership organization focused on putting Catholic values into action.  For more than 120 years, Catholic Knights has put Catholic values into action through its charitable outreach, scholarship programs, trusted financial products, and support for parishes and parish schools, as well as opportunities for members to participate in making a difference in their parishes and communities.  Each year, Catholic Knights members support activities that raise more than $1.2 million to benefit parishes, schools and communities.  For more information, visit www.catholicknights.org, or call 800-927-2447.