The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"

Fraternal MVP—Week of April 28, 2008

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individual as a Fraternal MVP (Most Valuable Participant) for the week of April 28, 2008. Fraternal MVPs are “Fraternalists-in-Action” who volunteer their time, energy and compassion to strengthen their communities through participation in local lodge activities and other charitable endeavors.

Kerry Jo Farrell
National Slovak Society of the USA

Assembly #813

Dothan, Alabama

Kerry has a long history of service to her community, church, family and the National Slovak Society (NSS). A lifelong member of the NSS, Kerry has participated in national events and tournaments conducted by the society. She has held office in her assembly for many years, working on matching-funds projects to benefit Habitat for Humanity, the United Way Food Bank and the NSS Scholarship Program. Her family—husband, Dan, daughter, Calypso, and son, Blaze—also have been involved in these service projects. Not only do they enjoy working together, but it teaches the children the value and satisfaction of helping others.

Kerry is actively involved in many projects to benefit her community, such as the Red Cross, Kiwanis, Catholic Social Services, Habitat for Humanity and the United Way Wiregrass Food Bank, a project to which she is deeply committed. Each year she participates to raise funds, giving of her time and talents to lessen the problem of hunger in her community with such projects as the Four Star Golf Tournament, the Souper Bowl, Christmas gift-wrapping and the Brown Bag Project, which targets hunger in senior citizens. She visits schools and service organizations to spread the word that there are those among us, young and old alike, who go to bed hungry in America.

Another area of importance to Kerry is that of education. She was instrumental in starting a Montessori School in Sarasota County, volunteered as a music teacher in several schools, served as a mentor to at-risk students, and has organized volunteer activities to get students involved in service to others. She volunteers and serves on the board of ACE Academy (All Children are Exceptional), a school for severely disabled and delayed students. Kerry also is dedicated to Reading is Fundamental, volunteering to read to underserved children. Kerry strives to impress on the young students the necessity of reading and learning as they prepare for the future. For those youngsters whose future is uncertain, Kerry also is involved with the Make-a-Wish Foundation and sits on its Advisory Board.

At St. Columba Church, Kerry plays the bass guitar and sings in its contemporary ensemble. She has helped to organize adult softball and volleyball teams for ecumenical leagues to foster greater understanding and fellowship among various religions. During her presidency of the Catholic Women’s Club, she instituted a chili cook-off, inviting members of other local churches to learn more about their Catholic neighbors, and the St. Columba Follies, a highly successful fundraiser for the church building fund. After Kerry organized the first-ever Memorial Day Service and Celebration to honor the Dothan area’s fallen servicemen and women, it has become a city-wide observance.

Kerry is employed at The Image Agency in Dothan. She is a fine example of “fraternalism-in-action” and represents the NSS and all fraternal benefit societies in their desire to serve others.

The NFCA salutes Fraternalists-in-Action for their dedication, kindness and generosity. They embody the heart of fraternalism through their volunteer efforts and commitment to their communities.

To view previous week's MVPs, click here.