The NFCA Proudly Recognizes "Fraternalists-in-Action"

Fraternal MVPs-Week of May 8, 2006

The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) is proud to recognize the following individuals as Fraternal MVPs (Most Valuable Participants) for the week of May 8, 2006. 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.

Gerald J. Collins
Woodmen of the World/Omaha Woodmen Life Insurance Society
Woodmen of the World Lodge 308
Houma, Louisiana
In a place where food is considered royalty, Gerald Collins has earned the nickname “Jambalaya King.” He has served his famous entrée at school fairs, church activities and Woodmen Lodge #308 events in Houma, Louisiana. He’s fed members of the military and their families at the Naval Air Station, soldiers of Charlie Company from Houma returning from Iraq, and seminarians at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans. And following the devastating hurricanes in the fall of 2005, he helped cook hundreds of meals for both evacuees and volunteers in different parts of Louisiana, as part of Woodmen’s relief efforts which, in total, provided more than 500,000 meals to the hurricane victims.

Volunteers, and volunteering, hold a special place in Gerald’s heart. He and his wife, Carol, have four children and six grandchildren, and they make volunteering a family affair by helping out at school festivals and church activities. For the past several years, Gerald and his wife also have participated in Woodmen’s Blitz Build for Habitat for Humanity.

Rose Marie Ruth
National Catholic Society of Foresters
St. Anne’s Court 1161
Iowa City, Iowa
Rose Marie Ruth is highly regarded by the members of St. Anne’s Court of the National Catholic Society of Foresters. She has served as vice-president, secretary and, most recently, president of St. Anne’s Court until last year, when she encouraged another member to take over the position. Rose Marie always is the first to volunteer for any good cause and seeks to inspire others to volunteer. Her participation has been 100% in every function her court has held.

Rose Marie also is very active in her own community and parish. She was instrumental in getting gifts for children at a camp for handicapped youths—Camp Courageous of Iowa. Her current project is reaching out to every parish in her diocese and informing them about Share the Care, a program to help families cope with serious illnesses. This is a project particularly close to Rose Marie’s heart, as she and her daughters are working together with a terminally ill friend whose disease is progressing.

Walter V. Steiner
The First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association
Branch W121
Dickinson, North Dakota
Walter Steiner joined the former Catholic Workman organization, now The First Catholic Slovak Ladies Association, in 1987. Walter and Rita, his wife of 47 years, worked together in the family business and, though technically retired, Walter still works everyday. When Walter isn’t working, he donates his time to Branch W121 activities, where he has served as the director for the past six years. Without financial reward, he has become the manager of the Branch building, offering his carpentry skills and labor to help maintain the facility and its grounds, in addition to his business expertise in managing the financial aspects of the Branch. According to his Branch Officers and his wife, Walter has boundless energy and an infectious cheerfulness in all that he does. Branch W121 regards Walter as an invaluable asset to its endeavors and success.

Kristen Knurowski
Association of the Sons of Poland
Lodge #64
East Rutherford, New Jersey
A 19-year-old college student, Kristen Knurowski spends most of her spare time assisting her parents with their fraternal activities and then joining her friends at the local Polish Home for dancing on Saturday nights. Kristen feels very strongly about her ethnicity, with most of her friends being Polish-Americans. Last year, she was chosen to be “Miss Polonia,” and not only represented her community, but was an excellent representative for her society.

Kristen has been a member of the Association of the Sons of Poland since birth. Several years ago, she had the pleasure of being presented as a Debutante at their Ball. As she grew up, her father encouraged her to get involved in projects and activities of the Sons of Poland. Kristen and her sister spent hours in the home office sorting books to be sent to kids in Poland, who wanted to learn the English language. She helped raise donations that were used to send special packages of supplies to schools in Poland for handicapped children. She also assisted with gathering donations of food and hygiene products to be distributed to the homeless in New Jersey and New York, when the officers of the Sons of Poland would go to Fraternal Congress Conventions. Several years ago, her father became Chairman of the Fundraising Dance for the Benevolent Foundation under the jurisdiction of the Sons of Poland. This was an opportunity for the organization to raise money to send the packages of donations to Poland. Kristen attended these fundraisers to help sell raffle tickets, distribute prizes and help in any way that she could, even by volunteering the assistance of her friends.

Patricia Minore
Workmen's Benefit Fund of the USA
WBF Branch #360
Levittown, New York
Patricia (Pat) Minore belongs to many charitable organizations, such as the “Shawl Ministry,” where she crochets lap blankets and shawls for the ill in her parish. She is the treasurer of Levittown VFW Post #9592 Ladies Auxiliary, in addition to belonging to the Fraternal Order of Police and her WBF Branch #360.

Coming from a family that always has served its country, Pat does much to support our troops overseas. Pat started working with the troops by writing letters of support, always including one of her hand-crocheted “pocket angels.” These beautiful angels have been accepted by the “Wounded Warrior Project” to be included in packages sent to the wounded. She expanded this endeavor, sending packages with much-needed toiletries and food items. Pat has “adopted” three soldiers and their entire units, sending love and support, via her angels, as well as letters and goody packages. As an additional personal endeavor, Pat currently is trying to raise funds to provide a voice-activated laptop computer for a soldier who lost the use of both of his hands.

The NFCA salutes these outstanding 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.