(Rock Island, IL)– Members of Royal Neighbors of America Chapter 30, Sterling, IL, will make a surprise $3,500 check presentation to Carol Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the YWCA of the Sauk Valley. The funds from Royal Neighbors' Nation of Neighbors^SM Program will help Carol enhance the YWCA's services by creating a Fearless Future Micro-Loan Fund. The program will provide loans to women served by the Y so they can meet the costs of GED fees, job uniforms, computer and career training, etc.

Women in the program will work with the Y staff to develop a repayment schedule to fit their needs. Any repayments will go directly back into the Fund to help other women develop a more positive future for themselves.

In addition to providing leadership at the YWCA, Carol touches the lives of her neighbors by serving as chair of the Rock Falls Fire and Police Commission, secretary and personnel chair of the Whiteside County Board of Health, and as a member of the Executive Committee for the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault and the Advisory Council for the Whiteside County Community Health Center.

What: Surprise $3,500 check presentation

Where: Candlelight Inn, 2200 1^st Ave., Rock Falls

When: Tuesday, Dec. 4, 11 a.m.

Local contacts: John Espinoza (815) 625-7237 or Darcy Smith (309) 236-3034

Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given more than $1 million to assist 900-plus 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 the neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy on which Royal Neighbors was founded in 1895.

Through the 2012 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. Each year, Royal Neighbors members and sales agents across the country are asked to nominate individuals they know who want to change their lives for the better. A panel reviews each nomination and determines the recipients and the monetary amounts awarded.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance companies, 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 its 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 branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

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April 25, 2011

(Rock Island, IL) - Royal Neighbors of America reported strong financial results for 2011. It generated revenue in excess of $100 million; grew its assets by $26 million to $792 million; and has a surplus of $211 million, resulting in a surplus ratio of 27%, significantly above the estimated industry benchmark of less than 8%.  These results highlight the strength and stability of the organization.

A.M. Best, an internationally respected insurance industry rating agency, continues to rate Royal Neighbors an A- (Excellent) for its overall financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to certificateholders. The agency recognizes Royal Neighbors' strong level of risk-adjusted capitalization, well-established fraternal presence, and large membership base.

"Our 2011 financial report once again demonstrates that we remain among the most financially secure insurance carriers in the industry," said Cynthia Tidwell, President/CEO. "With these results, we are positioned to empower women to achieve financial protection and healthy lifestyles. It is estimated that 50 percent of women today are expected to live past 85, and many are not financially prepared. We have the opportunity and responsibility to offer them life insurance protection and financial education to help them make appropriate decisions."

She continued, "Our success also is driven by our independent agents who sell our products nationwide. Their level of experience and professionalism and their commitment to supporting our community-based initiatives show a deep understanding of our Insurance with a Difference^SM philosophy."

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance companies, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance and annuity 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 its 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 branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 215,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

END