Jayna lost her daughter, Lila, at birth. When Lila was brought to her, the baby was wearing a boy's outfit. Jayna didn't want other parents to have that type of lasting impression so she began donating dresses to area hospitals. Today, she is turning her idea into a non-profit, Lila's Dresses, through which she and other volunteers create hand-made burial gowns from wedding dresses. The gowns are gift-wrapped and include a special note from Jayna.

What: $2,250 check presentation to Jayna Lindell

Where:  MVP Collision Repair, 300 W. 10th Avenue, Milan, IL

When: Thursday, Nov. 20, 4:30 p.m.

Contact: Lynnette Tarchinski, (563) 340-7419

Media is invited to attend: meet in the MVP parking lot at 4:15 p.m.

Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given more than $1.5 million to nearly 1,200 families and individuals in reaching their goals and rebuilding their lives through its Nation of Neighbors Program. The program, which was launched in 2007, demonstrates Royal Neighbors' vision of protecting women financially and empowering them to improve their lives, families, and communities, the philosophy on which Royal Neighbors was founded more than a century ago.

Through the 2014 program, determined women of strength and courage are empowered with financial assistance to achieve their full potential, realize a sense of renewed personal growth, and give back to their communities.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, empowers women to meet the needs of their families with annuities and life insurance products such as whole life, term, final expense, and universal life. One of the most financially secure insurance carriers in the industry, it has the financial strength and stability to ensure its nearly 200,000 members are protected when the expected, and unexpected, happen. In addition to insurance products, Royal Neighbors provides member benefits at no additional cost which currently include scholarship opportunities, health and retail discounts, and participation in volunteer activities that give back to communities through the organization's local chapters. Royal Neighbors' philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of Neighbors^SM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Royal Neighbors is headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ. For more information, visit www.royalneighbors.org or call (800) 627-4762.

April 2, 2014 - (Rock Island, IL) - Royal Neighbors of America has announced its new sponsorship of Soroptimist International of the Americas and its online volunteer portal, LiveYourDream.org. The organizations are combining resources to empower women with financial education to build more secure futures. Royal Neighbors will provide Soroptimist members appropriate insurance solutions and products to protect their lives and those of their families.

From the founding of the first club in 1921 to the present day with about 1,400 clubs and 33,000 members, Soroptimist works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. The organization focuses on providing women and girls access to education as a way to achieve their full potential. Soroptimist also powers LiveYourDream.org, a burgeoning online community that encourages offline action on behalf of women and girls.  

"Tremendous synergy exists between Royal Neighbors and Soroptimist. We share values and a calling ingrained in us as women, particularly as it involves empowering women to pursue their best lives," said Elizabeth M. Lucas, CAE, MBA, executive director and CEO of Soroptimist.  "We are proud to join with Royal Neighbors to accomplish joint goals and look forward to a long and successful relationship."  

Royal Neighbors of America has protected women financially and empowered them to improve their lives, families, and communities since 1895. It offers life insurance and financial protection solutions for women and their families throughout their lives. As a not-for-profit life insurer, its philanthropic programs also provide opportunities for women and families to give back, connect, and empower others in their communities.  Royal Neighbors was one of the first to insure women and children. Today, it remains one of the nation's first and largest women-led insurers providing financial products, member benefits, and volunteer programs to its more than 200,000 members.   

"It is estimated that 35 percent of women today feel some measure of anxiety about their financial 

future," said Cynthia Tidwell, Royal Neighbors President/CEO. "With our knowledge of the women's financial market and Soroptimist's history of providing women educational opportunities, together we will empower women to build on their strengths and enjoy a secure financial future."

More about Royal Neighbors:

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance organizations, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through a variety of national programs, including the Nation of Neighbors^SM Program and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity. Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with a branch office in Mesa, AZ, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia. To learn more about Royal Neighbors, visit www.royalneighbors.org or call (855) 243-4823.

More about Soroptimist:

Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, Soroptimist (Soroptimist.org) improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Its major program, the Soroptimist Women's Opportunity Awards, provides cash grants for women seeking to improve their lives with the help of additional education and training. Since 1972, the award-winning program has disbursed more than $25 million to tens of thousands of women, helping them to achieve their educational goals and build better lives for their families. Soroptimist, a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on charitable donations to support its programs, also powers LiveYourDream.org?an online community offering offline volunteer opportunities in support of women and girls.

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