8 Frequently Asked Questions ABOUT LIFE
Message President & CEO’s
Dear MeMbers,
The Trusted Fraternal Life family of brands is united by its dedication to provide financial security and community support. This reflects the philosophy of Woman’s Life founder Bina West, who believed that “no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.” (Aesop)
Inspired by Bina’s legacy, we remain committed to our members, upholding the rich history of providing mutual aid and community support — values that have defined us for generations.
It’s members like you who bring this to life as you reach out to support those in need in communities across the country.
From helping a family rebuild their lives after a tragedy to providing care and support for veterans, your acts of service are the threads that strengthen the fabric of our communities. Just read through the pages of this Woman’s Life issue, and you’ll get a sense of the good that can come when you consciously and deliberately care for others.
This past January, we welcomed Catholic United Financial, based in St. Paul, Minnesota, to the Trusted Fraternal Life family of brands, joining Catholic Financial Life, Degree of Honor, and Woman’s Life. Together, we are stronger than ever, with more than 215,000 members working to make a difference.
As Bina knew so well, kindness has a ripple effect — one good deed inspiring the next. Together, we will keep that spirit alive, empowering one another to create even greater impact in the years ahead.
With gratitude and service,
John T. Borgen President and CEO
Editor Karen Deschaine Director of Communications Member, Chapter 757
Port Huron
Writing and
Editorial Direction
Carla Kalogeridis
Kathryn Deen
Kaló Media
Graphic Design
Stewart Moon
Moon Design
2 Woman’s Life Connects 2025 Fraternal Celebration: Inspiring Lives of Service
16 Woman to Woman Michele Andre: Idea-Generating Giver
Members have a chance to join us at the 2025 Fraternal Celebration!
In a world that often lacks inspiration, our members continue to inspire us!
For the first time ever, members from Catholic Financial Life, Degree of Honor, Woman’s Life and Catholic United Financial will gather as one united fraternal family.
Together, we will celebrate member impact and achievements, deepen connections, and explore how we can strengthen communities and secure financial futures for generations to come.
September 26-28, 2025
Baird Center | Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Featured Guests
Keynote Speaker: Becca Stevens
Entertainment Headliner: Charlie Berens
Colin Cloud, Matt Havens and Jimmy Yeary
Enter our drawing to attend the celebration if you‘re:
• Passionate about serving others
• Open to meeting like-minded people
• Eager to be inspired and impact more lives for good
Enter by April 30, 2025 at trustedfraternallife.org/drawing
Winners will be notified by May 31, 2025.
Space is limited so enter today!
Visit trustedfraternallife.org/drawing or scan the QR code.
Jimmy Yeary Grammy-Nominated Songwriter
Colin Cloud Mastermind: The Real Life Sherlock Holmes
Matt Havens Generational Expert
Entertainment Headliner Charlie Berens, Comedian and Emmy-Winning Journalist
Becca Stevens, Founder and President of Thistle Farms
Keynote Speaker
KBRA Affirms Trusted Fraternal Life’s ‘A’ Insurance Financial Strength Rating
Trusted Fraternal Life™ has maintained an “A” insurance financial strength rating with a stable outlook from the Kroll Bond Rating Agency (KBRA), a global, full-service rating agency.
The agency’s report states that the rating reflects Trusted Fraternal Life’s ability to effectively manage reserves that are well balanced between annuities and life insurance and are supported by a conservative, highquality, fixed-income investment portfolio.
The report further mentions that strong governance and the recent mergers with Woman’s Life Insurance Society and Catholic United Financial have strengthened Trusted Fraternal Life’s position as a leader in fraternal consolidation, increasing reserve balances and providing operational efficiencies. Given Trusted Fraternal Life’s strong leadership team and riskadjusted capital position, KBRA believes Trusted Fraternal Life’s financial strength can withstand a range of stress scenarios.
“This independent rating affirms our financial strength and our ability to deliver on the promises we make to our members — to be there for them through every stage of life,” says President and CEO John Borgen.
Factored alongside Trusted Fraternal Life’s financial strength, the report noted the organization has earned recognition as a Top Workplace for 11 consecutive years and achieved a milestone in 2024 by becoming the first and only company to receive the Southeast Wisconsin Award for Social Responsibility.
“This recognition underscores our commitment to our associates and our dedication to creating a positive social impact,” says Borgen. “It also aligns with our vision to engage more people to enjoy financially secure, purposeful lives.”
us for assistance or to find a representative in your area: 800-521-9292. We’re here for you!
with a Woman’s Life chapter in your community. To find a chapter near you, visit WomansLife.org/
or call us to learn how you can start a new chapter in your community.
NOW AVAILABLE FROM WOMAN’S LIFE, A TRUSTED FRATERNAL LIFE™ BRAND
One of the benefits of merging Woman’s Life into the Trusted Fraternal Life family of brands is the opportunity to expand our product portfolio. We are excited to introduce two life insurance products now available to Woman’s Life members!
Instant Decision Term Life Insurance
Available for ages 18–55 with up to $500,000 in coverage, Instant Decision Term Life Insurance may be right for you! You’ll know in minutes if your application is approved, denied, or referred for underwriting. When you’re approved, you’ll know the premium amount, and you can sign and pay the initial premium electronically. Just like that, you’ll have term life insurance and protection for your family’s secure financial future!
Key Features
▶ The electronic application generally takes under 15 minutes to complete.
▶ Once approved, you’ll have guaranteed coverage for a specified period of time.
▶ This policy includes options to convert to a permanent policy.
▶ Face amounts to fit your needs and budget.
▶ Coverage for temporary needs such as income replacement or a child’s tuition.
▶ Convenient monthly electronic funds transfer premium payments; other payment options include quarterly, semi-annual, and annual payment.
Ages 18–55
Term Life Insurance can be converted to permanent life insurance with Trusted Fraternal Life at any time during the level term period up to the contract anniversary following the insured’s 75th birthday. Conversion is subject to the age and minimum face amount requirements of the permanent plan.
Final Expense Life Insurance
If it’s hard for you to think about your funeral — imagine how hard it will be for your family to plan it without the money to do so. According to the 2023 Price List Survey by the National Funeral Directors Association, a traditional funeral can easily cost more than $10,000.
Add to that any medical bills and outstanding debt, and your final expenses can quickly add up to $15,000 or more. Final Expense Life Insurance can help your loved ones cover your final expenses and ease their financial burden.
PreMIuMs
Key Features
▶ Guaranteed Acceptance: Permanent, whole life insurance with guaranteed acceptance for people ages 50–80.
▶ No Medical Exam: You can’t be turned down because of your health. The application includes no health questions or medical exam.
▶ Locked-In Rates: Premiums and death benefit are locked in when coverage takes effect. Your rates will never change for the life of the policy.
▶ Coverage: Death benefit proceeds can be used for burial, cremation, funeral services, legal fees, probate, medical bills, outstanding debts, and more.
Graded Benefit Whole Life Insurance ICC16 GBWL, ICC16 GBWL SPN, GBWL 202 FL, and 2020 GBWL FL SPN.
Like all life insurance policies, these plans and any associated riders have exclusions, limitations, reduction of benefits, and terms under which the contract may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of coverage, contact your representative or call 800-956-2542. Woman’s Life is a Trusted Fraternal Life™ brand. Life insurance products issued by Trusted Fraternal Life, Milwaukee, WI. Not available in all states.
Crafts for a Cause
Chapter 702 North Street, Michigan
When a local family’s home went up in flames, they lost everything. While the devastating misfortune forced the family of four to start over in many ways, members of Woman’s Life Chapter 702 North Street, Michigan, were among those who rallied to help the family rebuild their lives.
For about 12 years, the chapter has hosted a craft show for a cause. This time, members raised $1,322 from the event, including Matching Funds from Woman’s Life, for the family in need, who are relatives of a chapter member. The craft show had a wonderful turnout thanks in part to the chapter’s efforts advertising on social media and with flyers in neighborhoods, Chapter Treasurer Pam Dusci says. Having an established location was also helpful for repeat attendees.
“We are grateful to North Street United Methodist Church for accommodating our projects and hosting us and the majority of our events,” Dusci says.
A record 25-30 vendors this year showcased a wide variety of items at the craft show. Popular offerings included cozy crocheted blankets, fragrant handmade soaps, decorative kitchen towels, creative small 3D sculptures,
and sweet local honey. Chapter 702 members also sold tasty concessions such as Sloppy Joes, hot dogs, chips, and drinks, as
well as delicious baked goods like cookies, breads, and brownies. Typically, about 15 chapter members participate between preparing for and helping run the event. If other chapters are considering hosting a craft show, Dusci highly recommends it. “Advice we can give would be to plan early, set up early, and stay organized the entire time,” Dusci shares.
Helping others is the epitome of what Chapter 702 members embody with their generous spirits. They’ve also helped cover medical bills for someone recovering from a car accident; supported Healing Hearts Home, a rehabilitation ministry for abused women; and donated to Blue Water Area Rescue Mission, a shelter for homeless men. For these chapter members, giving is a way of life.
Kits for Vets
Chapter 920 Marysville, Michigan
Thank you for your service” is more than just lip service for members of Chapter 920. Marysville, Michigan.
For the past five years, the chapter has shown its appreciation for veterans by donating handmade toiletry bags and lap blankets.
The idea for the project initially arose during a chapter meeting, after which member Karen Hartig inquired with the VA Medical Center in Detroit about its needs. “We wanted to do something for the veterans because we have friends and relatives who are veterans, and we all agreed this is a worthy cause,” Chapter President Dawn Buechel says.
Materials such as fabric and yarn that are used to make drawstring bags and blankets are purchased with $250 in Volunteer Service Project Grant Funds from Woman’s Life. Member Bea Churchill passionately cuts and sews the ditty bags, and several members thoughtfully collect items to go in the bags all year.
Chapter member Amy Hartig and Treasurer Kerry Stinson Johnson, who are airline flight attendants, contribute travel-size toiletries from their hotel stays. Also, Dave Simpson, a friend of the chapter, donated 100 pairs of Bombas socks.
Each year, Chapter 920 makes 50 ditty bags containing shampoo, cream rinse, body wash, body lotion, a comb, toothpaste, a toothbrush, socks, deodorant, a razor, and a washcloth. They assemble them in a production line at Buechel’s house.
The chapter also makes 50 lap blankets every year. “At first, we didn’t do this, but a veteran who turned 103 requested a patriotic blanket, and we have made the blankets red, white, and blue every year since.”
Initially, members tied the blankets, but a couple years ago, they saw someone crochet around the edges and followed suit. Churchill makes holes around the blankets, and the members who crochet — Buechel, Stinson, Churchill, and Sally Basnaw — finish them. They also make a few crocheted Afghans.
In addition, the chapter donated lap blankets to the Blue Water Chapter of Boats4Vets in Port Huron, Michigan, in August 2024. “The veterans are all very appreciative of our donations,” Buechel says.
WOMAN’S LIFE CHAPTER IMPACT
Woman’s Life, a Trusted Fraternal Life brand, is highly committed to social responsibility. In fact, serving the needs of our members and the communities where they live is at the heart of everything we do.
We are a unique type of organization, offering a portfolio of quality life insurance and annuity products designed to help women plan for a secure financial future for themselves and their families with the added benefit of helping others in need. By directing financial resources to support community projects, we help members support the causes they are passionate about.
The contributions made by Woman’s Life chapters and members across the country are enhanced by our Chapter Financial Support Programs, including matching funds, volunteer service project grants, and more.
Evidence that our membership has fully embraced this philosophy can be found at any of the 503 events that Woman’s Life chapters held in 2024. Last year alone, active Woman’s Life chapter members contributed more than $485,843 and volunteered more than 44,172 hours to support individuals, causes, and communities that are important to them.
Chapter 745 Almont, North Dakota
Chapter 836 Port Huron, Michigan
Chapter 855 Memphis, Michigan
Chapter 865 Southfield, Michigan
Chapter 800 Fort Gratiot, Michigan
Happy Campers
Chapter 927 Lexington, Michigan
Members of Chapter 927, Lexington, Michigan, were happy campers about the success of their recent fundraiser. The chapter hosted a table in the fall at the Thumb Fiber and Folk Arts Festival, raising $1,552, including $500 in Matching Funds from Woman’s Life, to support Camp Cavell Conservancy.
Recognized as one of America’s best summer camps, Camp Cavell offers overnight and day adventures for kids and families on the shores of Lake Huron.
Chapter 927 President Louann Engel and Treasurer Ruth Doan expressed appreciation for the camp’s long-standing impact. “Campers experience a sense of community and creativity, and they build relationships,” Doan shares. “We wanted to help them provide these experiences.”
The annual Thumb Fiber and Folk Arts Festival, hosted by Camp Cavell, offers craft workshops and local artists’ booths, featuring materials including yarn, alpaca wool, and crocheted and knitted wear. Three days of workshops precede a two-day festival where vendors showcase their work, including pottery and handcrafted woodwork. Inspired by the event’s mission, Chapter 927 supplied
Campers experienCe a sense of Community and Creativity, and they build relationships. We Wanted to help them provide these experienCes.
Ruth Doan
craft materials for attendees by organizing a craft-supply garage sale. They invited artists and the local community to donate unused art supplies, which were then sold on a free-will donation basis at the festival.
Six chapter members managed the five-table booth, and the sale was a success. “Purchasers were very generous with their donations,” Engel says. “We had It’s
a wonderful response.” Festival attendees enjoyed exploring new arts and crafts, connecting with each other, and learning about Woman’s Life chapters through service.
Engel and Doan encourage other chapters to consider hosting a donation garage sale as well, noting that it saved time by eliminating the need to price each item individually, and buyers were very generous.
This event followed another successful fall fundraiser by Chapter 927 — the eBike Raffle, which raised $3,197 for the Sanilac County Humane Society, including $500 in Matching Funds from Woman’s Life. Chapter 927 continues to find unique ways to give back and is proud to support Camp Cavell Conservancy and the greater southeast Michigan community.
Gifts for Good
Chapter 800 Columbus, Ohio
When parents receive the heartbreaking news that their child has cancer, their lives turn upside down. The holidays can be particularly emotional and challenging. Woman’s Life Chapter 800 Columbus, Ohio, helps bring joy through AngelWorks’ AngelClaus program.
AngelWorks provides financial and emotional support to Ohio families with a child battling cancer through several programs including AngelClaus. AngelClaus delivers holiday gifts and meals so families can focus on creating memories and taking a crucial respite.
“It’s about touching families that most people forget about — because nobody wants to talk about a child dying or being sick, and for me, that’s the family that needs the most help,” chapter member and past president Tammy Stull says. “Helping children with cancer is absolutely the most amazing cause that you can contribute to — that’s deep in my soul.”
For 14 years, Chapter 800 has supported the program. Members invite friends and family to the chapter’s December meeting, where they collect monetary donations. They also hold Pampered Chef parties to help raise funds. Volunteers shop for, wrap, and deliver gifts for kids with cancer, their siblings, and their parents. From baby dolls to gaming gift cards, as well as clothes and shoes.
“Especially if it is their very last Christmas with their child, I want them to look back and say, ‘We had an amazing Christmas,’” Stull shares. Her favorite memory was delivering gifts to a family of four. “We came up to this house and we said, ‘We’re from the Newark North Pole,’ and the kids were just squealing with excitement. They were so happy and so thankful.”
This past year, Chapter 800 contributed $1,110 to the program, including Matching Funds from Woman’s Life, providing gifts for several families.
it ’s about touChing families that most people forget about — beCause nobody Wants to talk about a Child dying or being siCk, and for me , that ’s the family that needs the most help.
Tammy Stull
The chapter presented the check at its December meeting to AngelWorks founder Ellie Hite, who also spoke about the program. “I hope that we continue to do this for a very long time,” Stull says.
8 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT LIFE INSURANCE
I’M a stay-at-hoMe Parent. Why Do I neeD LIFe InsuranCe?
Life insurance can provide funds to help your family maintain its current lifestyle. In 2024, Salary.com calculated the financial value of the work a stay-at-home parent does to be $184,820. From cooking, cleaning, and household management to childcare, tutoring, chauffeuring, and more, these are all things someone would need to do if a stay-at-home parent died unexpectedly. Would your spouse be able to do it all and still earn the same living?
2
I’M sIngLe. Why WouLD I neeD to buy LIFe InsuranCe?
If something happened to you, would someone you love face a financial hardship? Is there a co-signer on your student loans, or do you provide support for a special needs sibling or aging parents? If so, you need life insurance. You should also consider life insurance if you own a business with partners. Your life insurance can help ensure the continuation of the business you’ve worked to build. In addition, buying permanent life insurance while you’re young and healthy can ensure you’ll have the protection you need for your loved ones later in life, even if your health deteriorates.
3Why shouLD I buy LIFe InsuranCe For My ChILDren?
Purchasing life insurance for children can help them get started on their journey to a secure financial future. Because premiums are based on their age and health, it can be very affordable, and those low rates are locked in as long as the policy remains in force. They will always be insured regardless of any future health issues, as long as premiums are paid on time. In addition, the cash value they accumulate with a permanent plan can be used as they get older for things like college tuition, paying for a wedding, or purchasing a first home.
4
Isn’t the LIFe InsuranCe I get at WorK enough?
Purchasing individually owned life insurance when you’re young and healthy is wise. While having group life insurance through your employer is a great benefit, it often doesn’t provide complete coverage; it may leave you with a gap between the coverage you need and the coverage you have. And remember, when your employment ends, most likely your employerprovided life insurance ends as well. You may find it difficult to buy affordable life insurance on your own, especially if you have developed health issues. Owning your own life insurance gives you portability and positive options.
5
I’M a sMoKer. shouLD I WaIt untIL I quIt sMoKIng to aPPLy For LIFe InsuranCe?
Making significant health and lifestyle changes can be difficult and may result in some relapses before you achieve your goal. In the meantime, you don’t want to leave your family’s financial security to
chance. It’s best to apply for life insurance now so that you are covered and your family is protected.
Once you’ve achieved your goal and become a nonsmoker, it is possible to have your policy reviewed, which may result in a reduction of your premium. Bottom line, don’t wait until “someday” to protect your family’s financial security. Speak with your representative for details and assistance.
6
hoW Do I FIgure out hoW MuCh LIFe InsuranCe I neeD?
A financial needs analysis is a great place to start. The process can help you identify your goals and priorities, which can then help you create a plan to address your specific needs.
Your representative will be happy to conduct a free needs analysis and help you create a customized plan. You can also use our free online Needs Analysis Tool at WomansLife.org/Needs. Answer a few questions and receive recommendations based on your goals. Save the results in a PDF to share with your representative, who can have a more personal conversation as you work together to create your personalized plan.
7
When Is the best tIMe to PurChase LIFe InsuranCe?
The best time to buy life insurance is — today! One advantage of buying life insurance sooner rather than later is that the younger and healthier you are, the lower your premiums may be. Locking in lower premiums can help you save money now and into the future. In addition, securing coverage early ensures your loved ones are protected even if your health changes.
8
there are so Many LIFe InsuranCe CoMPanIes. Why shouLD I Choose WoMan’s LIFe?
Woman’s Life, a Trusted Fraternal Life brand, is a different kind of life insurance provider. We offer the life insurance and annuity products you need as you plan for a secure financial future — with the difference of making a difference. We provide generous financial support to make a positive impact on the communities where our members live. From scholarships to soup kitchens and so much more, we support our members as they connect to communities and causes that matter to them.
Life Line Screening: It’s Better to Know
Jenny Johnson* said, “Why not?” One simple test later, her husband learned he had a potentially life-threatening heart problem.
A few years ago, Jenny saw an ad for Life Line Screenings. She and her family had never done anything like it. “I’d never even heard of it,” she says. “It seemed like a good idea, and although it wasn’t covered by insurance, it wasn’t out of the question cost-wise.”
So, she and her husband, Mark,* went.
Life Line Screenings offers non-invasive, preventative health screenings with a wide array of testing options designed to identify risk factors before they lead to serious illness.
That’s exactly what happened for Mark.
During a heart screening, a Life Line technician noticed some irregularities in Mark’s results. They did not diagnose the problem, but recommended he
see a cardiologist. Mark had never been to one before. Following some additional tests, the cardiologist discovered a genetic disorder that could have become life-threatening if left untreated.
Mark soon underwent open-heart valve replacement and repair surgery and has since made a full recovery.
“For him to have recovered totally — it all goes back to that screening. We found it early enough that he could do something about it,” Jenny says. “We were alerted to a problem before it became life-threatening and before he reached an age that could make the surgery itself too dangerous.”
Jenny says Mark, who was 73 at the time, was able to regain his full energy to enjoy hiking, kayaking, and playing with the grandchildren.
“We watch our health more now, but we’re not preoccupied by it. We’re not worried,” she says. “We just value all the things we can still do because we were alerted to a problem before it became a real problem.”
*Names changed to protect privacy
What is Life Line Screening?
Life Line Screening specializes in disease prevention and wellness screenings designed to identify potentially life-threatening conditions and risk factors that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other serious illnesses. These noninvasive health screenings are conducted in local communities across the U.S. The lab-accurate results can then be reviewed with your doctor.
Life Line Screening offers these screenings at a discounted rate to Woman’s Life members age 50 and older as part of the Benefits of Membership available to Benefit and Social Members.
Benefits of Screening
▶ Early detection of potentially serious conditions
▶ Prevention of disease progression
▶ Peace of mind so you can enjoy life
Types of Screenings
Life Line Screening provides more than 15 screening options to detect your risk for heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoporosis, and more.
Screenings include:
▶ Carotid Artery Scan
▶ PAD Arterial Disease Test
▶ Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Test
▶ Atrial Fibrillation Test
▶ Kidney Disease Screening
▶ Osteoporosis Screening
▶ Thyroid Hormone Test
▶ For the full list, visit LifeLineScreening.com.
Screening Methods
Technicians use state-of-the-art technology with three screening methods for a quick, convenient, and non-invasive screening experience:
▶ Ultrasound — You’ll lie on a table while a technician uses a transducer (wand) with gel to send out sound waves, which bounce back and create the image. It is not an x-ray, it has no radiation, and you keep your clothes on.
▶ Finger-stick blood test — Uses a small lancet to create a small hole in your finger so blood can be drawn for study. The lancet is a tiny box about the size of an art eraser, and the needle is contained inside. You will never see the needle go into your skin, but you will feel a small prick.
▶ Limited EKG — A test that measures the electrical activity of your heartbeat. Small adhesive patches called electrodes are placed on your skin, and a computer creates a graph of your heart rhythm called a waveform. It is painless, and you stay clothed.
What You Can Expect
▶ You may be required to fast for 4–12 hours before your appointment, depending on the screenings you select.
▶ At your appointment time, a tech will call you to the private screening area to conduct your tests.
▶ Each test takes just a few minutes and allows you to stay clothed and comfortable.
▶ Your test results are available on the online portal approximately 10 days after your screening. However, if a condition that requires immediate attention is identified, you will be notified on the day of your screening.
For more information about this and your other benefits of membership, visit WomansLife.org/ Member-Benefits.
to Woman Woman Michele Andre: Idea-Generating Giver
Michele Andre has been leading Woman’s Life Chapter 701 Fort Myers, Florida, since 2020 as a president with a mission to uplift its members and their community. Her goal is for the chapter to raise funds for local charities while fostering friendships and having fun. Andre believes in asking, “What can I do to help?” rather than “What’s in it for me?” — a mindset that promotes a spirit of generosity and teamwork.
With Andre at the helm, the chapter has raised tens of thousands of dollars for a variety of worthy nonprofits. In 2024 alone, it supported Hearten, ACT Abuse Counseling & Treatment, Bailey’s Way Rescue, Thrive SWFL, Cape Coral Bootstrap Homeless Ministry, and Aspire. In addition to assisting organizations, the chapter also reaches individuals in need. For example, it helped a single mother caring for two special needs children, as well as a baby girl who required medical treatment not covered by insurance.
Always coming up with creative new ideas, Andre introduced an exciting initiative this year called “Come Alive in 2025!” to the chapter. This new program is designed to enhance members’ social engagement and well-being. Each month, guest speakers discuss various aspects of health and wellness, ensuring a well-rounded approach to community support. With Andre’s dedication to go beyond fundraising, she cultivates a sense of self-care within her chapter. Get to know more about this inspiring woman and how she uplifts her chapter members and the entire community, one act of kindness at a time.
WL: What inspired you to take on the role of president for Chapter 701?
Andre: As one of its founding members, I have always been very passionate about the chapter. I was involved in the events and doing everything, but I couldn’t take a leadership role until after I retired. I was also the owner and president of the Bridge Networking Group, which prevented me from stepping into the role sooner. In 2020, it felt like the right time for me — my calendar was a little clearer, my schedule was a little lighter, and I had more time to dedicate to Woman’s Life.
WL: What kinds of fundraising events is the chapter doing throughout the year?
Andre: We did one in January for Bailey’s Way Rescue; in March, we’re doing the FairyTale Fundraiser again with Hearten, and we have one coming up with ACT Abuse Center. We’re planning to continue working with Aspire, which we fundraise for often, and Thrive SWFL, an organization that helps pregnant mothers in need of extra support. This year will be our first time working with HOPE Clubhouse and Alice’s Wings of Hope.
We have quite a variety of events, ranging from those for kids, seniors, women, and animals, and a lot of our initiatives come directly from our members. We don’t stick to just one category, and we try to open ourselves up to get to know new charities through our members.
WL: Does Chapter 701 have any signature events?
Andre: Our biggest event that we do every year is the Gifts from Santa, which I started 18 years ago and brought to Woman’s Life. We get wish lists from about 70 families around Christmastime and make sure that each child receives at least three gifts from their list. Last year, we extended the event to those at Aspire, providing Christmas gifts for 118 nursing home residents.
WL: In addition to fundraising, why do you feel it’s important to encourage the social aspect in your chapter?
Andre: It’s a great sense of friendship and community to see each other. A lot of times, women just like getting out — some are retired, some may have a stressful job — and this gives them a chance to relax with friends. We usually have 20-25 members and guests at our lunches, and we all look forward to the break from work and our everyday lives. The best part of our chapter is the friendships and ladies helping each other.
We ’re exposing ourselves to ideas and things W e may have never heard of before , but it also invites neW members to join our Chapter.
Michele Andre
WL: How did you come up with the idea for “Come Alive in 2025!” and to bring in health- and wellness-focused speakers?
Andre: Last year, we did a lot of fundraisers during our lunch meetings, but I wanted something new to fill the time while fostering our sense of community. I’m always trying to find unique things to try out, and I wanted to bring in different types of health-related people to build awareness, see what’s out there, and enlighten us on something new. We have at least two fundraisers during our lunches this year, but I also have hypnotists, integrative energy healers, chakra experts, and others coming in.
We’re exposing ourselves to ideas and things we may have never heard of before, but it also invites new members to join our chapter. Not only that, but a lot of our members own businesses, so it gives them an opportunity to meet new people to market to and enhance their clientele.
WL: As a retiree looking back on your career, what was your proudest accomplishment?
Andre: The best was probably helping single mothers. I worked for several companies in my 20 years of finance, such as car dealerships, and I did special financing, which helped people with credit problems. One of the things I did was help people get car loans, and a lot of them were single mothers. Out of everything I’ve done in the market and trading world, between car loans, motorcycle loans, boat loans, and mortgages, helping single mothers was the most rewarding.
WL: How has Woman’s Life enhanced your life?
Andre: I have made some very good friends through Woman’s Life. That’s the best part of this — if somebody needs something, we’ll put out an email, and someone else is there to help. We stay in contact like that, so we’re always there for each other.
Life insurance is about keeping promises and fulfilling dreams — even if you can’t be there in person. If you or your family have experienced (or are planning) any of the following life events, this is a good time to review your financial needs and goals.
▶ Graduated from college
▶ Started a new job
▶ Gotten married (or divorced)
▶ Purchased a home — or paid off your mortgage
▶ Had a baby
▶ Retired
