Dear Friends & Colleagues,

As some of you may have heard, circumstances have developed with Rev. Ron Quay's health such that he has felt the need to retire at the end of 2012. Ron is currently the Executive Director of Churches United, and had originally planned to retire at the end of 2013. He has devoted 10 years of his life to Churches United, and for that we are deeply appreciative.

One of his major accomplishments was his willingness to open Winnie's Place in December of 2006, which expanded the ministry of Churches United to women and children in need of shelter. A second major accomplishment was to lead the way for interfaith dialogue and understanding, which expanded Churches United's relationships with other people of faith through our six year radio show "Faith Talks" and by reaching out to non-Christian faith communities. We wish Ron all the best as he focuses on his retirement, his health and the healing process.

We would also like to share with you that Anne Wachal, who currently is the Associate Director and Program Manager for Churches United, has been asked by unanimous vote of the Board of Directors to lead Churches United as the Acting Executive Director during this transition time. Please keep Anne and her family in your thoughts and prayers as she graciously takes on additional responsibilities at Churches United.

We assure you that all of the Churches United ministries will remain intact as we continue to meet the needs of the community, but you may see a few changes taking place as we journey through this transition period together. It is our intent to continue to be a Christian ecumenical organization in ministry in the Quad City Area for another 50 years, and beyond.

Please keep the Churches United staff and the Board of Directors in your thoughts and prayers during this adjustment time. We are all looking forward to an exciting 2013!!

• When a violent tornado forces a family to seek shelter, a hot meal can go a long way in making life feel a little more normal. Give 3 hot meals now ($30).
• Members of the military wounded in battle face a long, uncomfortable journey home, often without any personal items - that's why our military comfort kits include phone cards, shower shoes, toiletries and more. Give a military comfort kit now ($50).
• After facing disaster, people come to us exhausted, scared, and carrying nothing but the clothes on their backs. But a day in a Red Cross emergency shelter - including food, blankets, a cot, a toothbrush and more - can give them the strength and support they need to face the challenges to come. Give two full days of emergency shelter now ($100).

When it comes to the holidays, it's the thought that counts - and a gift that honors your loved one's compassion and kindness is the most thoughtful gift of all. Visit www.redcross.org/gifts today and give a meaningful, tax-deductible gift this holiday season.

Sincerely,

Gail McGovern
President and CEO, American Red Cross

(Rock Island, IL)– Representatives of Royal Neighbors of America will make a surprise $500 check presentation to Michelle Smyth, founder of the Quad Cities Autism Center in Moline. The funds from Royal Neighbors' Nation of Neighbors^SM Program will go toward furthering Michelle's education within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.

When Michelle's son was diagnosed with severe autism at age 2, she struggled to find help for him. After facing many closed doors, she decided she would have to provide the help herself. She learned about Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, that, according to the U. S. Surgeon General, is the most effective treatment for children diagnosed with autism. After other parents learned of her son's progress and asked her for help, she opened the Quad Cities Autism Center, and has since served over 75 children and their families.

The more education Michelle receives, the more she can help her son and other children and also train young women who have a passion for making a difference in the life of a child.

What: Surprise $500 check presentation

Where: Quad Cities Autism Center, 2430 6^th Ave., Moline, IL

When: Wednesday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.

Local contacts: Lynnette Meincke, (563) 340-7419

Media is invited to attend: Meet in the Center's gym at 9: 50 a.m.

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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