Chuck Frauendienst, a Modern Woodmen of America representative from LeSueur, Minn., was named the 2009 Fraternal FIC of the Year. The national award recognizes one fraternal insurance counsellor’s contributions to the community and is based on fraternal activity and sales performance for 2008.

As the Fraternal FIC of the Year, Frauendienst will receive a $1,000 honorarium to be donated to a charity of his choice.

“I’m really honored to be selected,” said Frauendienst. “Fraternalism is about really giving back to the community, and it’s part of what I enjoy most about being with Modern Woodmen.”

Throughout his successful 34-year career, Frauendienst has been committed to making a difference in his community. He is active in a local Modern Woodmen camp (chapter), led by his wife, Judy. He also sponsors two youth service clubs in the area. Modern Woodmen camps and youth service clubs help improve communities through hands-on volunteer projects, fundraising and social gatherings.

In 2008, the LeSueur camp:

• Participated in Join Hands Day with third-grade students from a local elementary school. The group made care baskets and cards for nursing home residents.
• Planted two pin oak trees in Legion Park with a local Cub Scout troop.
• Helped at a Matching Fund project for the Henderson fire department. The dinner raised $5,877 to purchase fire-fighting/rescue equipment.
• Packaged and delivered $250 worth of pork burgers to local food pantries.

“We’ve been able to plant trees at local parks, bring in educational speakers and raise money for community needs,” Frauendienst said. “These activities really make an impact and also give families time to spend together.”

In 2008, Frauendienst also donated 40 Modern Woodmen Youth Educational Programs to schools in LeSueur, Le Center and Henderson. These programs reached 4,370 young people in the region. Six Youth Educational Programs – which include teaching materials and take-home items – are provided to schools at no charge. Frauendienst donated the following programs in 2008:

• Ecology Awareness – providing an understanding of the part people play in the environment and the ecological impact of their actions.
• Exercise and Nutrition – helping children make better nutrition choices and learn the benefits of physical activity.
• Patriotic Civics – teaching young people historical highlights, paving the way for civic involvement and fostering an understanding of government.
• Safety and Life Skills – informing kids about stranger danger, online safety and bullying.

Frauendienst is also active in the Modern Woodmen Fraternal College Scholarship Program. In 2009, four students in the LeSueur-county area received Modern Woodmen scholarships, totaling $20,000. Only 149 scholarships are awarded nationwide.

The Fraternal FIC of the Year award is a joint program of the Fraternal Field Managers Association, the National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counsellors and the National Fraternal Congress of America. The winner is selected from among recipients of the FIC of the Year Award, presented annually by the FFMA to one field representative of each participating society.

Founded in 1883, Modern Woodmen of America touches lives and secures futures. The fraternal benefit society offers financial services and fraternal member benefits to individuals and families throughout the United States.