Bethlen Almanac 1999 (Ligonier)

The Hungarian Reformed Federation of America

HRFA’s Commitment to Community Service

Most fraternal benefit societies were founded more than a century ago to provide a sense of community to new Americans. These societies supported religious, educational and patriotic activities, with fraternal life insurance often providing the only means of support for a family following the death of the primary wage earner. In changing and often difficult times, fraternal s kept pace with the financial needs of their members, while maintaining successful programs of service and fellowship.

Although fratemals today represent a variety of backgrounds (ethnic, religious, trade or general), all support a volunteer system of local lodges or branches. Fraternal benefit societies offer financially sound insurance and annuity products along with new programs to tap volunteerism and involvement. College scholarships, church programs and disaster relief are among the fraternal benefits provided.

Since 1886, the National Fraternal Congress in America (NFCA), a trade association for fraternal benefit societies throughout the United States and Canada, has been the voice of the fraternal insurance industry. Through its membership of 92 fraternal societies, NFCA represents more than 10 million people—making it one of the continent’s largest volunteer networks.

In 1998, for example, 10,492,046 members from 43,067 lodges (or branches) held 7,393,986 fund-raising events and contributed 72,598,367 hours to raise $249,879,903 for community service.

Contributions to fraternal support activities were even more generous. Fraternal societies organized and performed 1,109,654 events entailing 20,710,279 hours of service with an expenditure of $347,635,277.

The Federation’s contribution to the $249,879,903 of community service was $48,050. This figure resulted from 1,971 events (and 10,402 service hours) held by the 81 branches of the Federation. HRFA fraternal support work comprised 2,093 events, 9,685 hours, and an expenditure of $112,818.

I would like to encourage our local branches and our membership at large to volunteer for local activities. Please extend a helping hand wherever need arises. Help your church and the community where you live. Every little thing that we do with a good will and with love for our fellow neighbor will make a big difference in someone’s life.

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