The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"

Fraternal MVP—Week of May 5, 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 May 5, 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.

Stella Rakowski
Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum

Versatility Council #2501

Bayonne, New Jersey

Stella Rakowski is a 35-year member of the Supreme Council of the Royal Arcanum and a member of Versatility Council #2501 in New Jersey. Having served terms in various offices of her chapter, she was elected to the position of New Jersey Grand Regent (state president) and has been a delegate to the Supreme Council Sessions. Stella is currently the chairperson of the community service committee of her jurisdiction which supports members in time of need and carries out the fraternal campaigns of the Grand Council for charitable activities and junior programs. She is the recipient of the Distinguished Service Award and four generations of her family are members.

Stella's talents for organizing projects are a continual catalyst for several of the council activities. She has initiated projects to benefit the Hudson County Hospice. In addition to monetary contributions, cartons of healthcare essentials were packed, transported and donated to the Jersey City center for distribution. She also heads the effort of the New Jersey councils in support of Ronald McDonald Charities. Working with council members, she is a dedicated volunteer for their mission to help disabled children at the Felician School for Exceptional Children in Lodi. She serves on the Orator's Committee, planning business and social agendas for the monthly meetings.

Stella is a member of the Mt. Carmel Guild and diligently works each year for a host of fundraising activities to aid the needy in the community, provide educational scholarships for youth and support for the seniors and elderly. This past year, she was one of the "busiest elves," sorting, wrapping and delivering holiday parcels to various charities in New Jersey.

Each day Stella volunteers at the Senior Nutrition Center, preparing hot lunches with the staff at the center for senior citizens. She serves lunches at the center and helps package those to be delivered to the homebound. After lunch, Stella is the volunteer director for game hour.

Stella also has volunteered at the Bayonne Free Public Library for an after school program where she is a "story reader" for kindergarten and first grade pupils. She is a member of Bayonne's Young At Heart and Downtown Seniors, where she helped create a resale shop, raising funds from the sale of donated items for charities like the Police Athletic League for Youth and Cancer Care.

Stella retired from Western Electric in Kearny, New Jersey, in 1985, where she was employed for 22 years in the purchasing department. She is widowed from her husband, Joseph, with whom they had two sons — Kenneth (deceased) and Paul. She has three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Stella enjoys being active in several areas of volunteer service. She's never too busy to "be there"—pitching in, leading the way, and giving her all to help. Her youthful energies at age 86 have inspired members of Versatility Council and other organizations she is a member of, to become involved in fraternal work.

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.