(Rock Island, IL) -Allison McGraw, Davenport, was presented a Nation of Neighbors^SM check for $2,250 to help her continue her work with "Fishing Has No Boundaries" (FHNB), a non-profit organization that introduces the sport of fishing to individuals with disabilities.

Allison founded the Eastern Iowa chapter of FHNB in honor of her father and sister, both of whom have disabilities that make it difficult to enjoy the outdoors. She single-handedly appointed a board of directors, obtained sponsors, wrote grant requests, organized fund-raising events, recruited volunteers, and purchased supplies to ensure the organization would thrive. She plans to use these funds from Royal Neighbors' empowerment program to purchase additional fishing supplies and ramps and expand her outreach so that more individuals will have the opportunity to learn to fish.

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 to reach their goals and rebuild 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.

About Royal Neighbors

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 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.

Downtown Davenport, Iowa, sparkles during the annual Quad City Arts Festival of Trees at the RiverCenter from Nov. 21-30. Festival of Trees features many beautiful, uniquely designed trees, stunning designer displays, handcrafted stockings and ornaments, a variety of miniature designs, special events, model train display, gingerbread village, and the North Pole children's activity center. Don't miss the magic!

There are additional ticketed events that happen in conjunction with the Festival of Trees. There is the Silver Bell Social for seniors, Grand Premiere Party, Sizzlin' Soiree for a girls night out, Sugarplum Ball for dads and daughters, Celebrity Lunch, Jingle Jam teen dance, and Family Days for military families. The Afternoon Adventure is a new children's event to have fun in the frozen winter wonderland.

The Festival of Trees Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 22 features over 20 large helium-filled character balloons, marching bands, the Distinguished Clown Corps, and participation from over 50 organizations. There are more balloons than Macy's! The parade begins at 10:30 a.m. and goes through the streets of downtown Davenport.

Come to the John Deere Commons in downtown Moline, Illinois, on Nov. 22 and enjoy the free Lighting on the Commons ceremony from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Take a horse-drawn wagon ride; meet Santa and Mrs. Claus; listen to carolers; and warm-up with hot cocoa and cookies. Join in the festivities as nearly 1/2 million lights and fireworks brighten the skies at 5:45 p.m.

Back by popular demand, Cirque de la Symphonie returns for this year's Holiday Pops at the Adler Theatre in Davenport on Nov. 21-22 at 8 p.m. The Holiday Pops includes three performances, including a matinee performance at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday perfect for the whole family. Artists include aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, and more. Performances also include the Quad City Symphony Orchestra, Quad City Symphony Youth Choir, and the Sanctuary Choir of First Presbyterian Church.

Enjoy a riverboat cruise on the Celebration Belle on Nov. 21 made festive with a family-oriented Christmas show with music, dance, and holiday food favorites.

Back by popular demand, Irving Berlin's White Christmas at the Circa 21 Dinner Playhouse in Rock Island is full of dancing, laughter and some of the greatest songs ever written including "Happy Holiday", "Sisters", "Blue Skies" and, of course, the legendary title song! Based on the popular movie, this musical promises to be a merry and bright theatrical experience for the whole family! White Christmas performance dates are Nov. 7 - Dec. 28.

• Nov 29 - Quad City Mallards Hockey Game at the iWireless Center
• Nov 28-30 - Julmarknad is the annual Swedish Christmas Market taking place in the historic village of Bishop Hill. Seasonal Swedish folk characters roam the village and there is music and food
• Nov 28-30 - Christmas Craft Fair with over 180 vendors at the QCCA Expo Center
• Nov 29 - Tribute to the Bee Gees concert at the Quad-Cities Waterfront Convention Center at 7:30 p.m
• Nov 30 - Enjoy the historic buildings decorated at the Walnut Grove Pioneer Village Christmas Walk with crafts, refreshments, and more. Free admission
• Nov 30 - Pianist Jim McDonough performs a Holiday Grande production with an orchestra and singers at the Adler Theatre
• Quad City Arts' Festival of Trees continues through Sunday

Ernst Earns 'F's On Issues Important to Iowa's Working Families

DES MOINES, October 21, 2014 - The Iowa AFL-CIO today released the Working Family Values Report Card, which gives grades to the candidates for U.S. Senate on a handful of issues critical to Iowa's working families. Candidate Joni Ernst earned all 'F's on issues ranging from increasing the minimum wage to protecting Social Security and Medicare, whereas Rep. Bruce Braley earned 'A's due to his strong support for pro-working family policies.

"Whether it is raising the minimum wage to help low-wage employees afford a few more groceries every week or supporting equal pay for equal work so that women aren't forced to continue earning 78 cents for every dollar earned by men, Joni Ernst earned an F on every subject," said Ken Sagar, Iowa AFL-CIO President. "On issues important to the working families of Iowa, Joni Ernst needs to go back to school and study harder on the challenges facing hard-working women and men in our state."

The AFL-CIO Working Family Values report card was created by grading each candidate for U.S. Senate on a handful of key issues important to working families in Iowa. Those issues include :

• Increasing the minimum wage

• Pay equity

• Protecting Social Security and Medicare

• Supporting job creation in America and opposing outsourcing of American jobs overseas

• Tax fairness and closing corporate tax loopholes

"It's hard enough for working families in Iowa to make ends meet these days. The last thing they need is for Joni Ernst to go to the U.S. Senate to push an agenda that puts corporate interests ahead of their needs," added Sagar. "That's why we support Bruce Braley, because he will look out for working families."