The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"

Fraternal MVPs—Week of March 26, 2007

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of March 26, 2007. 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.

David N. Halle

Catholic Life Insurance

Lafayette/South Louisiana Branch #33

Lafayette, Louisiana

Dave Halle has an infectious laugh and a perpetually upbeat attitude. Add his compassion for those less fortunate and stir in a dose of humility and the result is a dedicated fraternalist.

Dave serves as President of the Lafayette/South Louisiana Branch #33 of Catholic Life Insurance. Under Dave’s leadership, this small, but dedicated, branch makes a difference in their parish and community. For the last three years, the branch has put together food baskets and purchased toys for needy families at Christmas. Dedicated to their faith, they have focused their efforts on supporting donations, helping religious education programs and supporting local parishes.

Recently, like many Americans, they have turned their efforts to helping those displaced by Hurricane Katrina. Besides gathering clothes, sleeping bags and blankets for the Cajun Dome evacuation center, they gave the gift of time by assisting in one of the many shelters set up following the storm. Additionally, they adopted a displaced family, helping them get back on their feet.

Dave will tell you that he has a great group of branch officers, including his wife Betty, that work closely to meet their goals each year.

Margaret Tinker

Catholic Knights

Branch #994

Conway, Arkansas

Margaret Tinker has been a member of Catholic Knights’ Branch #994 since 1956, and has been a Branch Officer since 1993. Under her leadership as Secretary/Treasurer, the branch has held multiple branch meetings and a branch Christmas party that draws members from all over the city of Conway. Margaret also is Chairperson for the branch’s upcoming fundraiser refreshment booth at the St. Joseph Parish Basketball Tournament. This fundraiser will provide money to the Team Boosters, which provides uniforms and equipment to the St. Joe’s Basketball team. She also coordinates the branch’s ongoing teacher recognition program that provides a crucifix to each teacher/classroom at St. Joseph’s Catholic Elementary School. She also helps coordinate the branch’s annual Memorial Mass. Margaret served as a national delegate to the Catholic Knights Triennial Convention in Milwaukee, WI.

In her home parish of St. Joseph, Margaret is a Eucharistic minister and makes weekly visits to the adoration chapel. She has assisted in the planning and executing of the parish’s annual “Women to Women” retreat. During the 2006 retreat, she was a speaker, talking about her faith and life. Margaret also has been a Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults (RCIA) confirmation sponsor for the past three years. She also participates and helps with the parish Bible-study group “Women of Faith.”

Margaret is an active volunteer with the United Way. In addition to being the campaign coordinator for Kordsmeier remodeling, she serves on the United Way Site Team. This team travels to and evaluates the various charities supported by the United Way. She helps determine if the charity meets the requirements to receive aid, and makes recommendations on how much aid they should receive.

Margaret lives in Conway with her two children, Tara and Josh. She is employed by Kordsmeier Remodeling where she is a sales assistant and performs other administrative duties. Margaret is an active member of the National Association of Remodeling Industry (NARI), and is the secretary/treasurer for their local chapter.

Catherine (Cathy) Kuhn

Equitable Reserve Association

Assembly #30

Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin

Within Equitable Reserve, Cathy has served as President of Assembly #30 for the past 18 years. Her assembly has held a matching-funds event for the area cause since 1990. Yearly, they sponsor a "high-stakes" Valentine bingo at a local nursing home, where residents receive a quarter for every win. The assembly also has participated in the area Children’s Fest program. Its social functions have increased with a mini-golf outing, hayride and soup supper, graduation dinner and Friday fish-fry dinners, in addition to its ever-popular Christmas party. In addition to local involvement, Cathy also has been a member of the Equitable Reserve’s auditing committee attending several meetings at the home office to verify securities.

Cathy is the Treasurer, a social committee member and scripture reader for weekly services at St. Joseph’s Chapel in Altdorf, WI. As the Treasurer, she’s responsible for successful fundraising efforts. She also is the meal coordinator for the annual church picnic and various annual meals, such as pancake breakfasts. At her current parish, St. Philip Parish in Rudolph, WI, Cathy volunteers at the annual church picnic, souvenir stand, and helps cook funeral dinners. She also sews blankets for Project Linus, a national organization that gives handmade blankets to children going through difficult situations that would cause a child to feel alone, scared or unsure of a situation they are facing.

“Volunteering for worthwhile projects is one of the most fulfilling efforts one can undertake,” said Cathy. Currently, she is actively involved as a board member and meal coordinator of The Neighborhood Table, a weekly community meal program in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. “This experience is rewarding to see firsthand how something as simple as providing a weekly meal to a person can really make a difference.”

Cathy currently is the elected municipal clerk for the Town of Hansen. Before retiring in 2006, she was employed by Wisconsin Rapids Area Catholic Schools (WRACS) as the Food Service Director. Before the merger of the Area Catholic Schools, she was the Head Cook and Manager for Assumption High School. As manager, Cathy became involved in the Healthy Kid Initiative and attempted to promote healthy eating and activity, increasing the participation in the program from 20% to almost 75%. She also coordinated the yearly high-school fundraiser dinners. While employed at WRACS, Cathy volunteered in many of the school fundraisers, working directly with the students in many of their endeavors. Before working for WRACS, she was employed for 10 years by the Division on Aging as a Site Manager, preparing on-site meals and coordinating activities for older and developmentally disabled adults.

Cathy is married and has three children and five grandchildren.