'Who Knew a Life Insurance Company Would Help Me Buy a Car?'.

Royal Neighbors of America Gives Back Through Its Quarter-Million-Dollar 'Nation of Neighbors'(SM) Program

ROCK ISLAND, Ill. -- Shirley Umporowicz, Colona, IL, had her prayers answered by Royal Neighbors of America, a fraternal life insurance organization. She needed a car to get to work and she now has the money to make that purchase thanks to Royal Neighbors' "Nation of Neighbors" Program.

It is through this nationwide program, launched in December, 2007, that Royal Neighbors gave a total of $250,000 to more than 180 families and individuals in need, demonstrating that it is more than just a life insurance company.

"I knew that Royal Neighbors helped people, but I never in a million years thought they would help me. There are others more worthy," said Umporowicz.

To begin this program, Royal Neighbors asked its members, its agents, and community-based service organizations across the country to nominate people who were facing particularly difficult challenges. Judges reviewed the nominations and determined the recipients.

Recipients received their checks in a variety of ways including through the Royal Neighbors surprise "gift patrol." As an added element, two families were presented checks on a live local TV show, during which members of the audience were surprised with $1,000 each to use to help a person or family in need.

For more than 100 years, Royal Neighbors has recognized that this country is not just made up of individuals but of communities---making up a nation of neighbors.

"It is as neighbors that we have the most direct, tangible, and personal influence on each other's lives," explains Cynthia Tidwell, Royal Neighbors President/CEO. "This is the reason behind the 'Nation of Neighbors' Program."

Royal Neighbors of America is a non-profit fraternal membership organization that insures lives, supports women, and serves communities. In addition to being able to purchase insurance and annuity products, its members also participate in a variety of locally based volunteer opportunities, and are eligible to receive many membership benefits such as scholarships and disaster aid.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, Royal Neighbors serves more than 230,000 members, has $2.1 billion of insurance in force, and is licensed to do business in 41 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call [phone], or visit the Web site at www.royalneighbors.org.

For pictures, video, and interviews with recipients contact: Rita Toalson, FLMI, ACS [phone]