William Penn Life, 2007 (42. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2007-10-01 / 10. szám
Charitable Ideas A shining example Texas man’s work with youth and local charities earn him recognition as NFCA Fraternal ist of the Year 2006-2007 NFCA Chair of the Board Janice U. Whipple (left) presents the 2007 Fraternalist of the Year Award to SPJST member Robert J. Hagen, shown here with his wife Terri and SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek (right). OAK BROOK, IL - The National Fraternal Congress of America (NFCA) announced that Robert J. Hagen, a member of SPJST, Lodge #246 - Morgan's Point, from Temple, Texas, is the 2007 Fraternalist of the Year. Hagen was recognized during the 121st NFCA Annual Meeting held Sept. 6 to 8 in Pittsburgh. "Bob Hagen is a shining example of what it means to be a fraternalist," said NFCA Interim President and CEO Bob Huxel. "We are impressed by the many marvelous works that Mr. Hagen undertakes, and the incredible joy and happiness he brings to others. He truly represents the mutual aid and commitment our societies have promised for more than a century." The award is given annually to recognize the nation's top volunteer among the almost 10 million members affiliated with the NFCA's membersocieties. The award goes to a fraternal benefit society member who has provided outstanding volunteer service in his community and excellent leadership in his local chapter throughout the past year. Hagen received a commemorative trophy and a $1,000 donation to the charity of his choice. He requested that his honorarium be donated to Serenity House of Victor, N. Y., in memory of his brother, Wayne E. Hagen, who passed away on May 15, 2000. Serenity House is a two-bed, comfort care home that provides 24- hour specialized care free of charge for persons who are in their final three months of life, their families and their loved ones. Hagen volunteered to serve as youth leader and reorganize the youth group for his lodge. He started with one member and through his dedication and determination, built up the youth club to 17 active members in the first year. He coordinated and assisted with many events through the year to build attendance and membership. These include dinner socials, swim parties, barbecue fundraisers, and the State Bowl for the Cure that benefits the breast cancer research foundation. Hagen participated in District youth leaders' workshops and District Youth Achievement Day, volunteered as a summer camp chaperone and assisted with Core Challenge, an event organized by SPJST to promote physical fitness among youth. Hagen also coordinated adult and youth volunteers from his lodge and the local community and soldiers from Fort Hood to clean and paint the exterior of the Belton Senior Center and constructed benches as a JOIN HANDS DAY project. For Make A Difference Day, he coordinated painting the interior of the center. He actively promotes "Cell Phones for Soldiers," "Adopt-a-Unit" program, which benefits families of deployed soldiers, and his lodge has adopted Victory Comer in Fort Hood, a memorial to honor all soldiers being deployed and returning. He quarterly coordinates the " Adopt-a-Highway" program in his community, picking up trash on a two-mile section of highway. He, along with the youth, participated in Lack's Trim-A-Tree for Charity project, decorating a Christmas tree and collecting canned food donations. He assisted with the Toys for Tots drive and Love of Christ Volunteer Day. Hagen is a United States Army veteran, is married and still finds time to devote to his family. "Bob epitomizes the idea of what the 'Fraternalist of the Year' honor is meant to convey," said SPJST Supreme Lodge President Brian Vanicek. "He's the kind of guy who loves a challenge, rallying the troops and making good things happen." The SPJST is a fraternal benefit society headquartered in Temple, Texas. For 109 years, the SPJST has worked to ensure the financial security of its members and its financial commitment to the communities where SPJST members live, work and play. SPJST lodges sponsor a wide range of family-oriented activities and community service projects. William Penn Life, October 2007 3
