GBU Fall Reporter 2024 by GBULife

ABOUT US

4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394

T: 412-884-5100 or 800-765-4428

E: communications@gbu.org

W: gbu.org

Editor: Jennifer Stockdale

Production Editor: Timothy Rodman

Art Director, Design and Layout: Rachel Cummins

Contributing Writers: Anna Meek, Jennifer Stockdale, Rachel Cummins, Natasha Herleman, Mary Koczan, Autumn Krewson, Ken Elliott, Laqueeta Coleman, Timothy Rodman and Karen Ferguson

GBU MANAGEMENT

Chief Executive Officer—William W. Hunt

Sr. VP/Chief Financial Officer—Mark Cloutier

Sr. VP/Chief Operating Officer—Wil Lombardi

Sr. VP/Chief Marketing Officer—Lesley B. Mann

Sr. VP of Administration—Deborah Morgan

AVP of Compliance and Human Resources—Antoinette Blair

GBU NATIONAL DIRECTORS

Chairman of the Board—Lea Ann Hazi

David E. Bevins

Joseph S. Bielecki

Donna L. Brophy, FICF

William W. Hunt, CEO

Christina MacKellar, CPCU, CIC

David L. Pringle

John B. Schmotzer

GO GREEN WITH GBU

To receive The Reporter digitally and discontinue receiving it by mail, scan the QR code. We will notify you by email when the new issue is online. Please be advised that you will receive a published issue when we are required by law to deliver any notice, report or statement, including notice of election and any amendments to the Articles of Incorporation or bylaws of GBU.

MEDIA CONSENT AND RELEASE NOTICE

GBU personnel, members, districts and others may take pictures, make recordings or produce videos at GBU events. In an effort to promote activities and increase public awareness, these may be published in The Reporter, on GBU and district websites, in the GBU Life Member Community, on social media outlets and in other locations. By participating in GBU events or by submitting pictures, recordings or videos directly to GBU, all members and other parties consent to the release and use of these pictures, recordings or videos and waive any rights to royalties or any potential liability relating to such.

HOME OFFICE HOURS

Monday–Friday: 8 AM–5 PM ET Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Join Us for the GBU Foundation Day of Giving 2024

LESLEY MANN, CMO

On October 23, 2023, we proudly celebrated the GBU Foundation’s 60th anniversary by launching our inaugural Day of Giving. With the incredible support of the GBU family, members and donors raised over $12,000 to fund community grants and scholarships.

Thanks to your generosity, twelve nonprofit organizations were awarded $70,000 in community grants. Additionally, we presented a $5,000 Community Builders Award. These organizations are making a significant impact through GBU Life’s four Community Pillars: Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support. In the coming weeks, we will share stories highlighting how these grants have impacted local communities.

What makes me especially proud is that your involvement didn’t end with your donation. You played an active role by nominating and voting for the organizations that mattered most to you. I invite you to do the same again this year.

You also helped fund six $750 Day of Giving educational grants for 2024 applicants. Your contributions have a lasting and wide-reaching impact, supporting the education of members across professions and around the globe. We hope you are as proud of this as we are.

Looking ahead, the 2024 Day of Giving is only weeks away on Wednesday, October 23, which is also the foundation’s sixty-first anniversary.

As you consider your gift to the Day of Giving Campaign, consider the exciting goals we have for 2025:

Award Community grants of at least $100,000. Continue our robust member scholarship and grant program.

Work with GBU districts to streamline the scholarship application process for both district and GBU Foundation scholarships.

Once again, we ask for your help in reaching these goals by contributing to this year’s Day of Giving. GBU Life will match every dollar raised, up to $25,000, potentially doubling the impact. You can give online at gbu.org/foundation on Wednesday, October 23, from 12:00 AM to 11:59 PM ET. You may also donate by completing the form on the next page and mailing it with your check to the GBU Foundation. Donations can be made in honor or memory of a loved one.

This year, we’re offering some new and exciting ways to give. Donations of $25 or more will allow you to add a photo to the GBU Life Community Mosaic. Additionally, you can join our new Community Builders and Young Philanthropists groups. More information about these groups can be found in this issue.

We hope you will also support the Community Grant Award campaign by nominating a charity that’s important to you by December 6, 2024. Voting will take place early in 2025.

Fondly, Lesley Mann Chief Marketing Officer

GBU FOUNDATION

Community Grant Awards

Give

Designated funds from the GBU Foundation Day of Giving on October 23, 2024, will be used to fund the 2025 Community Grant Awards.

Nominate

You can nominate a 501(c)(3) organization in each of GBU Life’s (GBU) four community pillars - Wellness, Education, Charitable Giving and Hometown Hero Support for a Community Grant Award. Nominations will be accepted until December 6, 2024.

Nominated organizations should submit grant applications by January 17, 2025

Vote

Finalists will be announced on January 27, 2025. You can vote for your favorite organizations in each category from February 1, 2025, until February 28, 2025. Winners will be announced in March 2025.

THE GBU FOUNDATION GIVING CLUBS

New ways to connect and support the mission!

Consider becoming a 2024 member of the GBU Foundation Friend, Partner, Builder or Young Philanthropist Club

Foundation Friends

Individuals or couples who give $100 or more to the GBU Foundation annually

Benefits -

The GBU Foundation pin and recognition in The Reporter magazine

Foundation Partners

Individuals or couples who give $250 or more to the GBU Foundation annually

Benefits -

The GBU Foundation pin and recognition in The Reporter magazine

An exclusive opportunity to nominate and vote for the Community Builders Award

Voting is not open to the public, and each donor gets one vote

One exclusive “Foundation Connections” virtual meeting

Foundation Builders

Individuals or couples who give $500 or more to the GBU Foundation annually

Benefits -

The GBU Foundation pin and recognition in The Reporter magazine

An exclusive opportunity to nominate and vote for the Community Builders Award

Voting is not open to the public, and each donor gets one vote

Two exclusive “Foundation Connections” virtual meetings

An invitation to the GBU Foundation Community Grant Awards event

Young Philanthropists

GBU Foundation donor of any amount who is 25 years old or younger

Benefits -

A Young Philanthropist (YP) welcome gift and recognition in The Reporter magazine

An exclusive opportunity to nominate and vote for the YP Choice Award

Nominate your favorite charity with a two-minute video

Voting is not open to the public, and each VP donor gets one vote

Participation in the "Name the Young Philanthropists Club" contest

Two exclusive “YP Changemakers” virtual meetings

Please

HOW DOES THE DAY OF GIVING WORK?

HOW CAN I PARTICIPATE?

Give online at gbu.org/foundation on Wednesday, October 23 , 2024 , from 12:00 AM ET to 11:59 PM ET.

Pay by Check

Make your check payable to GBU Foundation. Mail it, along with your completed GBU Foundation Day of Giving Form, to GBU Foundation, 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard, Pittsb urgh, PA 15227-3394. Your check must be postmarked by October 23, 2024 , to count in the total for the GBU matching funds.

District, Business and Corporate Donations

Business owners, your donation to the GBU Foundatio n is tax deductible.

Give online or mail a check with the GBU Foundation Day of Giving Form.

Corporate Community Grant Sponsorships are also available. Learn more by scanning the QR code or vi siting inside.gbu.org/cga-awards .

Contact Ken Elliott, Charitable Giving and PR Speci alist, at kenneth.elliott@gbu.org by October 23, 2024

Employer Matching Program

Your employer may have a matching gift program to m atch your Day of Giving donation, resulting in an even bigger donati on to the GBU Foundation.

Talk with your employer about a matching gift progr am, eligibility guidelines and next steps to secure your matching g ift.

IRA Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs)

Your RMD may count as a Day of Giving donation. Make a direct transfer from your IRA to the GBU Fou ndation no later than 11:59 PM ET on October 23, 2024 , or have your IRA administrator send a check from your account payable to GBU Foundation a nd postmarked by October 23, 2024 .

GBU Life Matching Funds up to $25,000

GBU will match every dollar raised on the GBU Found ation Day of Giving up to $25,000.

Watch the Day of Giving Thermometer in real time as your gift is added to the tally and helps the foundation secure GBU ma tching funds!

QUESTIONS?

Please contact the GBU Foundation at 800-765-4428 or gbufoundation@gbu.org .

GBU FOUNDATION

DAY OF GIVING DONATION

Please Print

Name

Company or District Number (if applicable)

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City/State/ZIP

Phone

My gift amount is

I would like to add a photo to the GBU Life Communi ty Mosaic. (My gift is $25 or more.)

I would like to join one of the GBU Foundation Givi ng Clubs. My 2024 gift is $100 or more. I would like to join the Young Philanthropist Club. I am 25 years old or younger.

Please do not send your photo for the GBU Life Comm unity Mosaic. We will provide a link after we have received your gift. You must provide a valid e mail to participate.

My gift is for

Scholarships and Grants

Both Programs

Community Grants Operating Fund

(Choose, if applicable) My gift is in honor or in memory of

Please send an acknowledgement to

Name

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City/State/ZIP

Please make your check payable to GBU Foundation an d mail to 4254 Saw Mill Run Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15227-3394.

GIVE ONLINE

Make your gift online at gbu.org/foundation

OTHER OPTIONS

IRA Required Minimum Distribution

Please send me information about including GBU Foun dation in my will or estate plan. NOMINATE AN ORGANIZATION

Name of Organization

Phone Number

Address Line 1

Address Line 2

City/State/ZIP

You may nominate up to four organizations, one in each of GBU's Community Pillars. Please submit additional nominations at gbu.org/foundation or include them on a separate sheet of paper. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) organizations that impact your local community. Ineligible organizations include those that are political, controversial, serve a negative purpose or fund outreach or teaching of any specific religion or point of view. Complete eligibility guidelines are published on the GBU Foundation page at gbu.org/foundation

QUESTIONS?

Please contact the GBU Foundation at 800-765-4428 o r gbufoundation@gbu.org

DEVELOP YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

Preserve Your Legacy With an Ethical Will

We are excited to introduce a new addition to LawAssure: the Ethical Will, also known as a Legacy Letter. Most people are familiar with a last will and testament as a way of leaving possessions and property to family and friends. But what if you want to leave behind something more meaningful than material wealth? How can you ensure that your beliefs, values, life lessons and cultural heritage are passed down to future generations?

The History of Ethical Wills

Ethical wills have a rich history that dates back to biblical times. Initially, they were spoken aloud by individuals on their deathbeds to their children and grandchildren. Over the centuries, it became common practice to write these wills down, often as letters to loved ones. Today, ethical wills are more versatile than ever. Unlike a last will and testament, they are not legal documents, so they give you the freedom to include whatever feels significant and personal.

What

You Might Include in Your Ethical Will

An ethical will can encompass a wide range of elements, such as:

Family history

Cultural heritage and traditions

Important lessons learned from elders

Secret family recipes

Blessings and wishes for your loved ones

Requests for forgiveness and apologies

Life lessons, values and beliefs

Key memories or experiences that shaped your life

Expressions of gratitude and pride

Influences and mentors

Explanations of decisions in your last will and testament

Stories behind meaningful possessions

Requests for how you wish to be remembered

By crafting an ethical will, you can give your family and friends a precious gift: a document that encapsulates your essence and continues to guide and inspire them long after you are gone.

You can also create a will, power of attorney, medical directive or trust using LawAssure’s services. The LawAssure platform stores your legal documents for when you need them most.

Visit inside.gbu.org/law-assure to sign up and start planning.

SCHOOL’S IN TRIVIA

Test your knowledge of football and fifth grade in this season’s trivia contest!

Monday, October 14Friday, November 8, 2024

HOW TO PLAY

Go to inside.gbu.org/trivia starting on Monday, October 14, 2024, at 8 AM ET, and click on the link to the game. Answer a fun mix of trivia to test both your football and “smarter than a fifth grader” knowledge. You have two minutes to answer as many questions as you can. The faster you answer, the more points you score!

Keep an eye on the leaderboard until the end of the game on Friday, November 8, 2024, at 4 PM ET.

The top 10 players on the leaderboard at the end of the game will win a $20 Tango gift card! Tango partners with hundreds of participating retailers and brands, such as Nike, Target and Amazon. All players will be entered in a random drawing for a chance to win a $250 Tango gift card.

Only one entry is permitted per GBU member. Tango gift cards will be awarded digitally via email. See official rules posted on the game site prior to gameplay.

Help Secure Your Retirement, One Smart Choice at a Time

Gone are the days when you could rely solely on social security or a company pension to see you through your golden years. Now, it’s all about taking control of your financial future and making sure you have enough set aside to live comfortably when you decide to hang up your work boots.

The Defined Benefit Annuity from GBU Life can help you to create a plan for a guaranteed income in retirement by making regular contributions based on your retirement income targets.

Interest rates and participation rates are determined at the date of funds receipt. Rates are subject to change without notice. Optional booster fees/contract fees increase the participation rate and are deducted from the index strategy value at the beginning of the index term. Increased participation rates can result in greater interest credited. Benefits may be taxable. During the surrender charge period, withdrawals exceeding 10% will be subject to a surrender charge that may be higher than fees associated with other types of financial products and may reduce principal. Interest compounds daily over the specified term. GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life. Annuities are not short-term products and are issued by GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA. Products and features may vary by state. Withdrawals prior to 59½ may be subject to IRS penalties. This is a summary of the contract provisions. Please refer to the contract for details of surrender charge schedule, benefits and exclusions. No statement contained herein shall constitute tax, legal or investment advice. You should consult with a legal or tax professional for any such matters. NOT A DEPOSIT OF A BANK-MAY LOSE VALUE NOT BANK GUARANTEED.

GBU-PM-AD-DBA

ENRICH YOUR LIFE

FALL FITNESS ideas

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year. It can also be one of the busiest times of the year with the kids going back to school. Here are a few fall activities that can also serve as a workout.

Apple Picking – You can spend hours walking the apple orchard, looking for the perfect apples, all while burning a ton of calories. Apple picking also requires overhead stretching, which is good for mobility.

Backpacking – For avid hikers, fall’s cooler temperatures provide ideal hiking conditions. The physical demands of outdoor exploration will keep you active. Fall provides for an immersive experience that allows you to disconnect from technology and reconnect with nature.

Outdoor Bootcamps – Many fitness trainers offer outdoor bootcamps in the fall. These workouts are high intensity and usually incorporate weights, resistance bands and bodyweight exercises. Working out in a group setting is a great way to make new friends, and they ultimately make the workout more enjoyable.

Leaf Raking – Turning a chore into a workout can be surprisingly effective. Raking leaves is a full-body exercise. It incorporates your arms, legs and core, and it also helps to improve cardiovascular function. It’s a great way to keep the yard tidy and keep you active. Just make sure to maintain proper form to prevent strain.

TRAVEL TIPS THANKSGIVING

SNACKS & ACTIVITIES

Travel delays are common during Thanksgiving, so be prepared with snacks, drinks and entertainment. Packing your own food will save money and help avoid long lines at airport restaurants or rest stops. Bringing books or downloading content on your preferred electronic device can make any unexpected downtime more enjoyable.

Tip 1: For flights, bring an empty water bottle through security. Fill it up once you're past the checkpoint to stay hydrated. Plus, you’ll eliminate extra spending on high-priced drinks.

Tip 2: If you’re traveling in a vehicle and space permits, consider packing a cooler with lunchmeat, cheese and condiments to make sandwiches while on the road. Remember to leave some room in the cooler for your iced coffee!

PACK LIGHT

Whether you’re flying or driving, pack strategically to minimize stress. Airlines often experience higher rates of lost luggage during busy holiday periods, so try to fit everything into a carryon. This also allows for faster check-ins and avoids waiting at the baggage claim. For drivers, ensure your car is safely packed with everything you need, including snacks, blankets and entertainment.

STAY CONNECTED

During peak travel times, flight delays and cancellations can happen unexpectedly. Stay connected to your airline through their app, social media or text alerts. For road trips, ensure your phone is fully charged, and remember to bring a portable charger.

COZY RECIPES FO

RAMEN POTATO PANCAKES

CHIPOTLE CHILI

RAMEN

TIME + YIELD

Prep time: 30 minutes

Cook time: 35 minutes

Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Yield: 4 servings

DIRECTIONS

Combine eggs, flour, baking powder, salt and pepper in a large bowl and beat the ingredients. Then, stir in potatoes and onion

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Drop heaping tablespoonfuls (don’t be shy) of potato mixture into hot oil in batches. Press with a spatula to flatten the mixture into a pancake.

Cook the pancake until browned and crisp, about 3 minutes on each side.

Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess grease from the pancake.

Repeat steps with remaining potato mixture. Serve immediately with a tablespoon of sour cream and scallions

INGREDIENTS

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon baking powder

½ teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon pepper

6 medium potatoes, peeled and shredded

½ cup finely chopped onion

¼ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup chopped scallions

6 tablespoons sour cream

DIRECTIONS

Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and ginger and cook for an additional 30 seconds. Add rice vinegar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, fish sauce and Sriracha sauce and stir. Add chicken broth and water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in bok choy and chicken; simmer until bok choy is tender for 2 minutes. Cover, keep warm. Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add ramen noodles and return to a boil. Cook uncovered until noodles are tender yet firm to the bite, 5 to 7 minutes. Drain and drizzle with remaining 1 tablespoon oil to prevent sticking. While the ramen is cooking, fill a pot with enough water to cover the eggs and bring to a boil. Gently lower eggs into the boiling water and cook until yolks are barely set, about 7 minutes. Fill a large bowl with ice water. Transfer eggs to the ice bath and let sit about 3 minutes. Drain eggs, peel and slice in half.

Divide ramen between four bowls. Add broth and top with jalapeño, green onions, cilantro and soft-boiled egg halves. Serve immediately.

INGREDIENTS

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

1 medium onion, thinly sliced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

½ cup rice vinegar or to taste

½ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons oyster sauce

2 tablespoons mirin

1 tablespoon fish sauce

1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce

4 cups low-sodium chicken broth

1 cup water

¾ pound baby bok choy, quartered lengthwise

1 cooked chicken breast, shredded

3 (3 ounce) packages dried ramen noodles

4 eggs

1 jalapeño pepper, sliced

2 green onions, chopped ¼ cup chopped cilantro

POTATO PANCAKES

TIME + YIELD

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 25 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

D I R E C T I O N S

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat

Cook and stir beef and sausage in the hot skillet until some of the fat renders, around 2 to 3 minutes

Add the onion and garlic to the beef and sausage; cook and stir until meat is browned and crumbly, around 5 to 7 minutes more

Transfer beef mixture to a slow cooker

Stir the kidney beans, chili beans, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, celery, bell peppers, chipotle chiles, bacon bits, chili sauce, hot pepper sauce, chili powder, brown sugar, cumin and salt into beef mixture

Cook until vegetables are tender and celery retains a slight bite, 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high.

I N G R E D I E N T S

2 pounds ground beef

CHIPOTLE CHILI

T I M E + Y I E L D

Prep time: 25 minutes

Cook time: 3 hours 10 minutes

Total time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Yield: 12 servings

1 pound bulk Italian sausage

1 large onion, diced

1 tablespoon minced garlic

2 (16 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained

2 (16 ounce) cans chili beans, undrained

2 (14 5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes

2 (14.5 ounce) cans crushed tomatoes

2 ribs celery, chopped

D I R E C T I O N S

Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray

Cut French bread into 10 slices, about 1 inch thick

In a bowl, combine brown sugar, melted butter and maple syrup. Spread the mixture into the bottom of the casserole dish. Sprinkle chopped pecans on top of the brown sugar mixture and place bread slices on top of pecan layer, ensuring slices are laying flat.

Whisk together eggs, milk, sugar, cinnamon and vanilla; pour the egg mixture evenly over layer of bread

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil; set in fridge overnight for a minimum of 8 hours

When preparing to serve, preheat the oven to 350°F and bake the French toast casserole for 35–40 minutes

I N G R E D I E N T S

16 ounce French bread loaf

1 cup light brown sugar, packed

⅓ cup salted butter, melted

2 tablespoons maple syrup

¾ cup chopped pecans

4 large eggs, lightly beaten

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 green bell pepper, coarsely chopped

½ red bell pepper, chopped

½ (7 ounce) can chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, finely chopped

3 ounces bacon bits

1 tablespoon chili sauce

1 tablespoon hot pepper sauce

1 tablespoon chili powder

2 teaspoons brown sugar

¼ teaspoon ground cumin ¼ teaspoon salt

OVERNIGHT FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE

T I M E + Y I E L D

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 40 minutes

Total time: 8 hours 50 minutes

Yield: 6 servings

HOLIDAY SAVINGS

with

If you’re anything like me, you know that life gets rather expensive around October, November and December. But it doesn’t have to be with a little due diligence and planning. Did you know that as members of GBU Life, you have access to a community discount program called VIP Perks! by Entertainment®? VIP Perks! offers local and national coupons for dining, entertainment and so much more! Below are several ways to save heading into the busy (and expensive) holiday months. Here are some ideas to get you started with VIP Perks!

CANDY/COSTUMES

• Services like Once Upon

A

Child in Brandon, FL, offer 20% off* (up to $25 value) for children’s clothes – perfect for DIY costume shopping.

SHOPPING/ENTERTAINMENT

• Stores like Toys on the Square in Hummelstown, PA, offer one free paint session when a second paint session of equal or greater value is purchased* –perfect for gifting experiences.

• Stores like Music & Mas in Norwalk, CT, offer 20% off* the regular price of the purchase (up to $25 value) –perfect for gifting music.

GET EXCLUSIVE PERKS

• Stores like Chocolate Thimble in Huntertown, IN, offer 50% off* the regular price of any baked goods or candy order (maximum discount $5) – perfect for trick-or-treat or Halloween parties.

• Stores like Wine at the Docks in Tarpon Springs, FL, offer 20% off* your total purchase (up to $25 value) – perfect for ALL the holidays.

• Shops like MOss Boutique in St. Charles, MO, offer 20% off* one regular price item – perfect for shopping experiences.

As a member of GBU, you have access to VIP Perks! by Entertainment, a community discount program offering local and national coupons on dining, entertainment and other services. Print coupons from home or simply redeem them from the mobile app!

Visit inside.gbu.org/vip-perks to sign up for your VIP Perks! by Entertainment local deals today.

* Discounts as of August 19, 2024. GBU is not affiliated with the organization(s) listed herein. GBU Life is the marketing name for GBU Financial Life (GBU), Pittsburgh, PA.

HOLIDAY TRADITIONS

GBU has been made stronger through mergers. Many districts preserve their unique common bond through events and activities. As a fraternal benefit society for all, we celebrate the rich cultural history of our members. Continue reading to learn more about cultural customs from across the globe.

Slovakia

GBU District 4000 — Sokol USA has traditions rooted in Slovakia. One of the holiday traditions that is quintessentially Slovak is the Vilija, or Christmas Eve dinner. This dinner has a traditional format and is many, many centuries old. In fact, it is so ancient it predates the Protestant Reformation in Slovakia and Slovak Protestants and Catholics all celebrate the Vilija dinner on Christmas Eve.

Christmas Eve dinner begins with the youngest person present waiting outside for the appearance of the first star in the evening sky. The dinner cannot commence before the sighting of the first star. Once the star is seen, the family gathers around the dinner table for the sharing of a large, thin wafer, called the oplatky. Both the Catholic and Protestant Slovaks make oplatky and use them at their Vilija dinner. The oplatky is a thin wafer that is passed around the table along with a small dish of honey, into which each person dips their oplatky. As the wafer travels around the table, with each person breaking off a piece and dipping it into honey, the recipient recites a vinč. The vinč is a good wish or greeting given to all of those present at the table.

After the sharing of the oplatky and good wishes, the meal begins. It usually has an odd number of courses. The courses will always include pirohy, some form of potatoes, whether baked or mashed, pickled herring and nut and poppy seed rolls. Some families make a thick sauerkraut stew, while others make a soup from dried mushrooms. In Slovakia, roughly 60-70% of the population has Catholic roots. A Slovak Catholic Vilija would not have meat; however, the Slovak Protestants celebrating Vilija incorporate meat into their menu, usually in the form of stuffed cabbage or kielbasa.

An extra place is always set at the table. The extra place setting of a plate, cutlery and a chair, is for Christ, who is present in all homes during this holiday.

Following the conclusion of the dinner, often people attend Midnight Mass to celebrate the birth of Christ and then travel from house to house, singing carols. Carolers are greeted with treats, whether baked goods or other tasty surprises.

-Submitted by Joe Bielecki, President of District 4000

Scandinavia

District 5000 — Independent Order of Vikings (IOV) preserves the heritage of our forefathers. One of the traditions that we observe is Santa Lucia Day. Lucia was a young Sicilian girl, born in AD 283 and martyred at the age of 20. Legend has it that she brought food to Christians hiding in Roman catacombs, lighting her way with a candlelit wreath on her head, leaving her hands free to carry the food. Lucia is considered to be a bearer of light in the Scandinavian winters, bringing light, hope and kindness in the dark and cold. Santa Lucia Day is generally observed on December 13, which is recognized as her “name” day and the shortest, darkest day of the year. Two of our largest subordinate lodges hold these traditional celebrations.

Linne Lodge #57 in Muskegon, MI, celebrates on the Sunday closest to December 13, with a performance by The Invandrarna (the Immigrants) Scandinavian choir singing many favorite Christmas songs in Swedish, Norwegian and English, accompanied by piano, flute and accordion. The choir members dress in traditional “Folkdräkt,” or folk dress, depicting their family heritage. Several of our smaller “Junior Vikings,” or tomten, are included in the program, tiptoeing around a Christmas tree led by a larger tomte. Then, while the choir sings Santa Lucia, the parade of juniors is led by St. Lucia, wearing her gown of white with a red sash (depicting the blood of Santa Lucia) and a wreath of candles, carrying a tray of coffee and saffron buns. She is followed by her maidens, also wearing white gowns and red sashes, and young men (stalledräng or stable boys), all carrying candles or lanterns. Behind them come the little tomten (gnomes) dressed in red suits carrying stars. After the program, a feast of homemade coffee breads, cookies and punch is enjoyed by all present.

Ingjald Lodge #65 in Jamestown, NY, holds an annual “Dopp I grytta” (dip in the pot), the dipping of bread in a broth made from cooking ham and sausages. This custom, it is told, goes back to the Vikings at the time of the winter solstice. They sacrificed to the sun by fasting (refrained from eating meat), making a meal of bread and broth only, until the sun god was appeased and began his journey back.

Several lodges also serve Glögg (a spiced, mulled beverage served hot) throughout the season.

-Submitted by Britt Hichue, District 5000 Vice Grand Chief

Switzerland

Interestingly, Santa isn’t known to visit people in Switzerland on December 24 or 25, but on December 6 - known as St. Nicholas Day, or Samichlaus Abend. Of course, it is easy for the red-caped wonder to make the journey into town for the event. According to folklore, he actually lives in the forests of Switzerland, rather than at the North Pole. Children quickly gather around Samichlaus and Schmutzli (Santa’s sinister sidekick) and ask for treats. If they were good this year and promise to be good next year, then Santa gives the child a gift - usually chocolate, fruit or pastries.

-Submitted by Lynn Kosin, North American Swiss Alliance

Hungary

District 3000 — Hungarian Reformed Federation of America (HRFA) celebrates Hungarian ancestry. In Hungarian culture, szaloncukor have a long history and are beloved treats, especially during Christmas. Szaloncukor, which translates to "salon sugar" or "parlor candy," are beautifully wrapped confectioneries often enjoyed during holidays and special occasions.

The tradition of hanging szaloncukor on Christmas trees in Hungary has roots that go back to the early 20th century. Szaloncukor became popular in Hungary in the 19th century, but the specific practice of using these candies as decorations on Christmas trees emerged as part of evolving holiday customs.

In the early 1900s, as Christmas trees became more common in Hungarian homes, the practice of decorating them with various ornaments, including edible ones like szaloncukor, became a festive tradition. The candies, with their colorful wrappers, added a decorative and playful element to the tree, complementing other the ornaments and lights.

The tradition reflects a blend of Hungarian confectionery craftsmanship and the broader European custom of decorating trees with edible items, which helps to create a warm, inviting and joyous atmosphere during the holiday season. It reflects the importance of both beauty and flavor in Hungarian celebrations.

Pick up a bag of delightful szaloncukor at the American Hungarian Foundation’s Annual Christmas Market on December 14, 2024, from 10 AM to 2 PM in New Brunswick, NJ.

-Submitted by Melissa Katko Pepin, District 3000 Secretary and Executive Director of the American Hungarian Foundation

Germany

District 821 preserves the tradition of German song – be it for German festivals, special anniversaries or holidays.

The holiday is special for us as the district has organized the Christmas Market after Thanksgiving for over 25 years. We have sung at historic Trinity Lutheran Church's German Service on the 3rd Sunday of Advent for 25 years or more. We have performed both English and German Christmas songs at senior homes during the Christmas season. Of course, no holiday season would be complete without the GBU Saxonia-Rheingold Chorus singing at our annual party, which is filled with family and guests.

-Submitted by Marianne Krenzer, District 821 Secretary

Holiday Bucket List Challenges

Share your favorite Christmas song

Visit with Santa

Donate toys to a local outreach program

Share your decorated Christmas tree

Go see Christmas lights

Get cozy with a mug of hot chocolate

Show off your “ugly” holiday sweater

Tell us your favorite holiday tradition

Here is your sneak peek into this year’s Optimity Holiday Bucket List Challenges! We want to challenge our GBU members to join us in celebrating this holiday season with festive challenges each day starting December 1-25. Don’t miss out on all the fun and prizes. Join Optimity today! Join

Get crafty with a seasonal DIY

JUST FOR KIDS

Supplies Needed:

the kids’ craft corner

Contact paper

Craft paint (red, yellow, orange)

Scissors

Canvas

Steps:

On contact paper, draw and cut out the shape of a pumpkin. Place the pumpkin outline onto the canvas.

Now the fun part! Have your kiddo finger paint to fill in the pumpkin outline. Once your pumpkin painting is complete, remove the contact paper while the paint is still wet. Then you’re all set! Let your painting dry, and your work of art is ready to be shown off.

Autumn CROSSWORD

PUZZLE

FRATERNAL PUZZLE FOR MEMBERS AGES 10–14. Email contest@gbu.org or mail (GBU Fraternal Department, 4254 Saw Mill Run Blvd., Pittsburgh, PA 15227–3394) the participant's name, email address and answers to this fraternal puzzle for a chance to win a $25 Tango gift card*. Members must provide a valid email address, as the gift cards are sent via email.

*Tango partners with hundreds of participating retailers and brands like Nike, Target, Amazon and more.

Across:

1. A triangular-shaped Halloween candy that is often orange, yellow and white (2 words, no spaces)

2. A small moth or a name of a color that is dark orange

3. After you eat the corn, you are left with the _______

4. A squash that we carve

5. You may need to wear one of these on a chilly morning

6. Crisp red fruit that grows on trees

Down:

1. These can be roasted over a fire and eaten without the shells

2. Autumn leaves are often this color

3. ______ on the cob

4. Apples or pumpkin are often baked into these desserts

5. This is singular for leaves—you have one ______

6. Squirrels collect these to eat in the winter

Jody Shapiro is a Forest Hills, Pennsylvania, native and owner of Aspire Enterprises and Yinzer Family Gifts N’at—where she turns her colorful computer creations, including images of her dogs and original black and gold Yinzer sayings, into shirts, mugs and other useful items that she sells in her Redbubble store redbubble.com/people/AspireToFind/shop?asc=u. Jody and her husband, Joel Bloom, live in Pittsburgh with their long-haired mini dachshund and social media influencer (@CodyBearTheDachshund) AKA Cody. Follow him for daily doses of dog humor and dog-themed poetry. Jody has been creating word puzzles for children since the mid-1980s. She has been a GBU member since the late 2000s. aspiretofindasolution.com

GBUFOUNDATION PITTSBURGH

Est. 1963

2024 Scholarship and Grant Recipients

Congratulations to this year’s group of students who have been awarded scholarships and grants from the GBU Foundation Scholarship Program.

2024 Four-Year Scholarship Awards

These students each received a $1,500 scholarship from the GBU Foundation.

District 510 — Toledo, OH Biology

The University of Toledo

Sierra Goins District 999 — National Neuroscience & Behavior

University of Notre Dame

Emily Peck District 999 — National Business Duquesne University

Abigail Erickson District 4000 — Sokol USA Health Education University of New Hampshire

Elaine Green District 999 — National Pathology

The Pennsylvania State University

Jonathan Peters District 684 — Pittsburgh, PA

Mechanical Engineering University of Pittsburgh

Alexis Fraundorfer District 45 — Altoona, PA Business Finance Lock Haven University

Dylan Missal District 999 — National Physics and Mathematics

The University of Alabama

Cameron Witt District 510 — Toledo, OH Finance

Michigan State University

Hannah Freeman District 999 — National Political Science Biola University

Ethan Niermeyer District 999 — National Undecided University of WisconsinMadison

Zach Zornan Ferguson District 2000 — ULS Business West Virginia University

2024 Named Four-Year Scholarship Award

This student received a $1,000 scholarship made available by the generosity of GBU Foundation donors.

Clarence O. Affelt

Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship

Nils Casey

District 999 — National Music & Finance University of Kansas

2024 Undergraduate Scholarship Awards

These students each received a $1,000 scholarship from the GBU Foundation.

Nicole Abel

District 999 — National Nursing Carlow University

Hailey Kiser District 999 — National Chemistry Dickinson College

Joseph Tripi

District 999 — National Sports Management St. John Fisher University

Madison Bassett

District 146 — Johnstown, PA Nursing

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown

Olivia Platt District 999 — National Education Slippery Rock University

Ryan Bohlman

District 402 — Minneapolis, MN

Business Administration Bemidji State University

Caelen Plummer District 171 — Pittsburgh, PA Business Administration Carnegie Mellon University

Helen Brzozowski District 815 — Dayton, OH Engineering Purdue University

Emese Toth District 3000 — HRFA English, Languages, Fine Arts, History, Legal Studies, Arts Case Western Reserve University

Hailey Biehl District 2000 — ULS Psychology Walsh University

Emma Sanders District 2000 — ULS Medicine

Sydney Kimmel Medical College

DeAndre Van District 4000 — Sokol USA Advertising Pensacola Christian College

2024 Graduate Scholarship Awards

These students each received a $1,000 scholarship from the GBU Foundation.

Nick Doman District 630 — Ann Arbor, MI Dentistry University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Audrey Schank

District 999 — National Education

Texas A&M UniversityCommerce

Keethan Kleiner District 630 — Ann Arbor, MI Law

University of Michigan Law School

Gabrielle N. Lucas District 2000 — ULS Library Science Pennsylvania Western University

2024 Two-Year Scholarship Awards

These students each received a $1,000 scholarship from the GBU Foundation.

Jessica Davis

District 999 — National English & Foreign Languages, Engineering Community College of Beaver County

Andrew Foringer District 2000 — ULS Architectural Drafting & Design Westmoreland County Community College

Brianna Schueller District 999 — National Animal Sciences Fox Valley Technical College

Landon Seaquist District 999 — National Emergency Medical Technical Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Hayli Wagner

District 171 — Pittsburgh, PA

Surgical Technology

West Virginia University

Potomac State College

Four-Year Freshman Scholarship Renewals

Gretchen Augustine

District 819 — Milwaukee, WI

Biology

Lakeland University

Kelby Dall

District 819 — Milwaukee, WI

History & Education Studies

University of WisconsinMadison

Jordan Fairman

District 4000 — Sokol USA

Physician Assistant Seton Hill University

Julia Gawryleski

District 999 — National Animal Science

University of WisconsinRiver Falls

Andrew Kalmanowicz

District 2000 — ULS Economics & Business

Administration

Lebanon Valley College

Dylan Kundrod

District 291 — SummerhillLilly, PA

Computer Science

University of PittsburghJohnstown

Anna Munko

District 2000 — ULS

Finance & Accounting

University of Pittsburgh

These students each received $1,500 scholarship renewals.

Marissa Collins

District 171 — Pittsburgh, PA Accounting

Robert Morris University

Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship

Katie Davis

District 404 — St. Louis, MO

Health Science University of Florida

Emma Fraundorfer

District 45 — Altoona, PA

Business

The Pennsylvania State University-Altoona

Croix Horsley

District 999 — National Economics Vassar College

Preston Korytkowski

District 707 — Grand Rapids, MI

Computer Science

Michigan State University

Abigail Miller

District 684 — Pittsburgh, PA

Mechanical Engineering

Carnegie Mellon University

Kallie Orosz

District 291 — SummerhillLilly, PA

Physician Assistant Saint Francis University

McKenna Coots

District 999 — National Exercise & Therapeutic Science

Liberty University

Amanda Dosey

District 630 — Ann Arbor, MI

Nursing

The University of Toledo

Joseph Freck

District 510 — Toledo, OH

Electrical Engineering Purdue University

Abigail Jalso

District 3000 — HRFA Psychology, Criminal Justice Loyola University Chicago

Bence Kovacs District 3000 — HRFA Civil Engineering

Northeastern University

Magdalena Miller District 684 — Pittsburgh, PA

Chemical Engineering

University of Pennsylvania

John Palmer

District 3000 — HRFA

Chemical Engineering

Tulane University

Amber Cross District 2000 — ULS

General Studies

University of Alabama at Birmingham

Lindsey Dugan

District 3000 — HRFA

Early Childhood & Special Education

Slippery Rock University

Rebekah Freeman

District 999 — National

Elementary Education Arizona Christian University

Alexander Jurkovich

District 810 — Cleveland, OH

Human Biology

University of Southern California

Josh Koval

District 291 — SummerhillLilly, PA

Biochemistry & Chemistry

Saint Francis University

Natalie Miscikowski

District 510 — Toledo, OH

Nursing

Michigan State University

Caroline Peek

District 815 — Dayton, OH

Early Education

Bowling Green State University

Elizabeth Rajnik

District 2000 — ULS

Occupational Therapy

Elizabethtown College

Kelsey Wolfe

District 999 — National Middle Childhood Education Ohio Wesleyan University

Elizabeth Rehwinkel

District 4000 — Sokol USA Chemistry

Smith College

Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship

Jacob Steinbugl

District 45 — Altoona, PA

Data Science

The Pennsylvania State University

Carlee Zimmermann

District 999 — National Forest Management University of WisconsinStevens Point

Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship Renewal ($500)

Julia Platt

District 999 — National English Ohio University

Undergraduate Renewals ($1,000)

McKenna Augustine District 819 — Milwaukee, WI

Speech Language Pathology

Concordia UniversityWisconsin

Jamie Fitzgerald District 2000 — ULS Biology

Gonzaga University

Antonio Campitell

District 999 — National Doctorate of Chiropractic Palmer College of Chiropractic

Anna Jurkovich

District 810 — Cleveland, OH Finance

Indiana University

Graduate Renewals ($1,000)

Elena Gioiello

District 3000 — HRFA Dentistry

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine

Rylee Holek

District 510 — Toledo, OH Medicine

Central Michigan University

Addison Gross District 999 — National Business Economics University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Cameron Koch District 4000 — Sokol USA Biology

The Pennsylvania State University

Kaitlyn Erickson

District 4000 — Sokol USA

Elementary Education, Communications Grove City College

Benjamin Tarkanyi District 3000 — HRFA Mechanical Engineering Lawrence Technological University

Emma Henschel District 999 — National Architecture University of Notre Dame

Kirsten Ranke District 999 — National Health & Exercise Science Wake Forest University

Ben Vanic District 999 — National Secondary Education, Social Studies

Concordia UniversityWisconsin

Benjamin Ferrara District 2000 — ULS

Computer Science University of ColoradoColorado Springs

Jonathan Henschel District 999 — National Psychology

Queens University of Charlotte

Maleia Thompson District 699 — Frankenmuth, MI

Music Education, Secondary Mathematics Education

Central Michigan University

Michael Zemanek

District 810 — Cleveland, OH

Engineering Management

Washington University in St Louis

Gage Haselbarth

District 45 — Altoona, PA

Cyber Security

Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

($1,000)

Mia Maechner

District 810 — Cleveland, OH

Art Education

Cuyahoga Community College

Brienna Reinike

District 999 — National Nursing

Harrisburg Area Community College

Other Named Scholarships and Personal Giving Grants

These students each received a $500 scholarship or grant made available by the generosity of GBU Foundation donors. Scholarships

Fritz Bertz Scholarships

Thaddeus Weiss

District 510 — Toledo, OH

Economics

The University of TennesseeChattanooga (UTC)

Alexander Witt

District 510 — Toledo, OH

Mechanical Engineering

Michigan State University

Pocorus Family Scholarships

Frank F. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship

Aida Castelli

District 2000 — ULS

Finance

Florida International University

Personal Giving Grants

John P. Albright Grant

Emma Nemecek

District 2000 — ULS

Food & Nutrition

Kent State University

van Breukelen Family Grants

Savana Koval

District 291 — SummerhillLilly, PA

Biology, Pre-Medicine

Saint Francis University

James R. Stoker Higher Education Grants

Sarah Beckage

District 3000 — HRFA

Biology

Syracuse University

Emily Huha

District 171 — Pittsburgh, PA

Criminal Justice

Waynesburg University

Dr. Ludger F. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship

Jessica Schroeder

District 630 — Ann Arbor, MI

Biology

San Diego State University

James R. Stoker Memorial Education Fund Grant

Savannah Kratzer

District 999 — National Physiology & Medical Sciences

The University of Arizona

Emily Walko

District 4000 — Sokol USA Business

Belmont University

Rachel Brinkman

District 999 — National

Church Music

Concordia UniversityNebraska

Dominic McKita

District 684 — Pittsburgh, PA

Accounting

Washington & Jefferson College

GBU District 146 — Johnstown, PA, Scholarship

Madison Bassett District 146 — Johnstown, PA

Nursing

University of PittsburghJohnstown

Mary M. Pocorus Memorial Scholarship

Isabella Duvendack District 510 — Toledo, OH

Finance

John Carroll University

Former District 491 — Granite City, IL, Grants

Camden Frazier District 510 — Toledo, OH

Mechanical Engineering

Miami University

Former District 496 — Gill Hall, PA, Grant

Parker Jendrysik District 999 — National Integrated Language Arts, Journalism Ohio University

Ronald Pocorus Scholarship

Madeline Rehwinkel District 4000 — Sokol USA

Physics Bryn Mawr College

Christopher Walko

District 4000 — Sokol USA

Economics

Boston College

Lilyanna Coots

District 999 — National Ministry

Liberty University

Elizabeth Skrinjar

District 999 — National Psychology

Duquesne University

Jolene Giampietro

District 4000 — Sokol USA

Architecture University of Maryland

Madison Walters

District 999 — National Accounting

University of WisconsinMadison

Brendan Witt

District 510 — Toledo, OH

Finance

Michigan State University

GBU Foundation Day of Giving Grants

These students each received a $750 grant from the GBU Foundation, funded with proceeds from the 2024 GBU Foundation Day of Giving.

Rebekah Brinkman

District 999 — National Animal Sciences University of MinnesotaCrookston

Ethan Keller

District 999 — National Business Administration, English & Foreign Languages University of New Hampshire

Georgia Arsic

District 810 — Cleveland, OH Undeclared Kent State University

Jacy Dall

District 819 — Milwaukee, WI

English & Foreign Languages University of WisconsinMadison

Jacob Dubendorfer

District 510 — Toledo, OH Business Bowling Green State University

Charles Hurd

District 815 — Dayton, OH Business Administration Kennesaw State University

Capri Kloha

District 1000 — LFA

Graphic Design

Saginaw Valley State University

Conner Eckert District 999 — National Marketing Slippery Rock University

Jonah Fleck District 45 — Altoona, PA Undeclared Millersville University

Lisa Freeman District 999 — National Nursing Education Cedarville University

Will Martin District 999 — National Accounting Community College of Beaver County

GBU Foundation Grants

These students each received a $750 grant from the GBU Foundation.

Robyn Ball District 818 — Orlando, FL Chemistry The University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill

Grace Dietrich District 999 — National Athletic Training Duquesne University

Sofia Fanelli

District 45 — Altoona, PA Psychology, Criminology The Pennsylvania State University

Kate Kalmanowicz District 2000 — ULS Pharmacy Ohio Northern University

Christopher Kloha

District 1000 — LFA Computer & Information Technology Michigan Technological University

Anna Blanford District 999 — National Biology University of Wisconsin-Stout

Zachary William Dosey District 630 — Ann Arbor, MI Robotics Wayne State University

Vivian Greenwood District 171 — Pittsburgh, PA Public Health & Politics, Philosophy University of Pittsburgh

Johnathan Kellogg District 298 — Allentown, PA Engineering Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Katherine Koch District 4000 — Sokol USA Medicine

John A. Burns School of Medicine

Jessica Chwalik District 999 — National Education & Special Education Pennsylvania Western University-Clarion

Emily Drost District 1000 — LFA Biology Wayne State University

Archie Hill

District 45 — Altoona, PA Legal Studies, Law, Business, Architecture University of Virginia

Lauren Klein District 2000 — ULS Health Education University of Florida

Peyton Korytkowski District 707 — Grand Rapids, MI Architecture University of Tennessee

Shelby Korytkowski

District 707 — Grand Rapids, MI

Veterinary Medicine

Michigan State University

Abigail Lasko

District 3000 — HRFA Psychology Washington & Jefferson College

Matthew Moran

District 999 — National Nuclear Medicine

University of Findlay

Delaney Reese

District 999 — National Nursing University of Pittsburgh

Macey Schank

District 999 — National Criminal Justice

Sam Houston State University

Lorenzo Sprockett

District 999 — National Finance

University of South Carolina

David Vanic District 999 — National Marketing, Business Carthage College

Tyler Walters District 999 — National Mechanical Engineering

University of MinnesotaDuluth

Alexander Witt

District 510 — Toledo, OH

Mechanical Engineering

Michigan State University

Taylor Korytkowski

District 707 — Grand Rapids, MI Business

Kent State University

Lauren Mahler

District 510 — Toledo, OH

Medical Laboratory Science University of Cincinnati

Ashlyn Otto

District 999 — National Psychology

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Josie Rempt

District 999 — National Health Studies

The University of Iowa

Jenna Schlicht

District 999 — National Biology

Carroll University

Elise Torp

District 821 — Sterling Heights, MI

Environmental Science

Michigan State University

Joshua Vishanoff District 298 — Allentown, PA Computer & Information Technology

Grand Canyon University

Thaddeus Weiss

District 510 — Toledo, OH Economics

The University of TennesseeChattanooga

Marley Wolf District 999 — National Nursing

UPMC Jameson School of Nursing

Lilly Kulaga District 2000 — ULS Business

University of Michigan

Carley Miller District 999 — National Biology

Slippery Rock University

Austin Pickel District 999 — National Electrical Engineering

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Phoebe Rusch District 171 — Pittsburgh, PA Arts

College For Creative Studies

Cole Slezak District 4000 — Sokol USA Criminal Justice Lycoming College

Michael Tripi District 999 — National Business

St. John Fisher University

Nicholas Walters District 999 — National Dentistry

Marquette University School of Dentistry

Ryan Wilkins District 684 — Pittsburgh, PA Biology

James Madison University

Chloe Wolfe District 810 — Cleveland, OH

Teacher Education Ohio University

Nora Larson District 999 — National Speech Pathology

University of WisconsinWhitewater

Nicole Mischak District 3000 — HRFA Biology The George Washington University

Gabriella Provenzano District 999 — National Psychology Waynesburg University

Daniel Roppanto District 3000 — HRFA Accounting Franciscan University of Steubenville

Joshua Speaker District 999 — National Accounting West Liberty University

Addison Vandegriff District 2000 — ULS Education West Virginia University

Stephanie Walters District 999 — National Dentistry Creighton University School of Dentistry

Kaylee Wiser District 684 — Pittsburgh, PA Law

University of Pittsburgh

Elizabeth Wood District 45 — Altoona, PA Performing Arts University of the Arts

Bryce Zimmermann District 999 — National Education

Martin Luther College

2024 GBU High School Freshman Grants

Kaylin Attebury District 45 — Altoona, PA

Hazel Dixon District 291 — SummerhillLilly, PA

Miriam Frederick District 999 — National

Marian Greenwood District 684 — Pittsburgh, PA

Logan Hays District 510 — Toledo, OH

Giuliana Mendel District 684 — Pittsburgh, PA

Liam Murphy District 999 — National

Patrick Phillips District 291 — SummerhillLilly, PA

William Shultz District 291 — SummerhillLilly, PA

Kensey Wolfe District 999 — National

These students each received a $250 grant from the GBU Foundation.

Henry Bernarding District 684 — Pittsburgh, PA

Dean Douglass District 171 — Pittsburgh, PA

Eva Garraway District 3000 — HRFA

Chevy Gresko District 999 — National

Darion Jackson District 999 — National

Ila Noel Molnar District 3000 — HRFA

Grace Myers District 999 — National

Traesen Piacquadio District 684 — Pittsburgh, PA

Ethan Syring District 999 — National

Taylor Wolfram District 510 — Toledo, OH

Bailey Burns-Elliott District 999 — National

Isaac Dowdy District 999 — National

Ethan Geis District 999 — National

Jarred Gumola District 999 — National

Zsofia Kovacs District 3000 — HRFA

Sofia Molnar District 3000 — HRFA

James Neimeyer District 999 — National

Mason Robison District 45 — Altoona, PA

Shayla Van De Ven District 999 — National

Christian Conner District 999 — National

Ava Ferraro District 818 — Orlando, FL

Lillia Gouldsbarry District 999 — National

Madelyn Havener District 999 — National

Caleb Lund District 701 — Pontiac, MI

Cecilia Munoz District 510 — Toledo, OH

Hannah Pfeil District 999 — National

Mattie Schindler District 999 — National

Thomas Weinzierl-Binus District 45 — Altoona, PA

2024 GBU Community Educational Grants

These students each received a one-time $1,000 grant from the GBU Foundation.

Mwango Kasuba Baldwin High School Secondary Social Studies Education Duquesne University

Ava Mignogna Elizabeth Forward High School

Early Childhood Education Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Ilaria Rodgers Brentwood High School Business Duquesne University

Anthony Rosati, Jr. Trinity Area High School Computer Engineering Rochester Institute of Technology

District 291 — SummerhillLilly, PA, Scholarship ($500)

Presley Dougherty

Savana Koval

Hailey McCall

GBU District Scholarships

The following GBU districts awarded scholarships to their members.

District 1000 — LFA Scholarship ($500)

Emily Drost

Capri Kloha

Christopher Kloha

District 2000 — ULS College and Seminary Scholarship ($750)

Amber Cross

Andrew Kalmanowicz

Lilly Kulaga

Emma Nemecek

Caelen Plummer

Elizabeth Rajnik

Phoebe Rusch

Addison Vandegriff

District 2000 — ULS Graduate, Business, Community College or Trade School Scholarship ($750)

Hailey Biehl

Gabrielle Lucas

GBU District 5000 — IOV

Grand Lodge Scholarship

Danika Cooper

Gavin Cuoco

Allie Friesner

Frances Gosselin

Allie Jensen

District 3000 — HRFA Scholarship

Sarah Beckage

Lindsey Dugan

Elena Gioiello

Abigail Jalso

Bence Kovacs

Abigail Lasko

Nicole Mischak

John Palmer

Daniel Roppanto

Benjamin Tarkyani

Emese Toth

GBUFOUNDATION

Est. 1963

Want to be a part of the GBU Foundation Scholarship Program?

Contact the GBU Foundation at gbufoundation@gbu.org or 412-884-5100 or 800-765-4428 to discuss options to fund a scholarship or grant.

2024 2024

CHALLENGE CHALLENGE HIGHLIGHTS HIGHLIGHTS

Give Back University is a part of GBU’s commitment to our youth and their education. The best way to help the communities we care about is to foster a sense of community in our youth. We hope that Give Back University members will grow up to be advocates and strong leaders both for GBU and for the communities they live in. Check out the projects submitted so far this year!

Anna Donated used clothes.

Grace Made “bee bombs.”

Michelle Made “bee bombs.”

Roman Participated in a community clean-up.

Roman Participated in a bake off for charity.

Anna Delivered pizzas to local first responders.

Anna Donated use clothes.

Anna Made a pine cone bird feeder.

Anna Wrote kindness notes for her classmates.

Ben Made a pine cone bird feeder. Bailey Assisted with cleaning and organizing tasks.

Ben Donated used clothes.

DISTRICT HAPPENINGS

District 45 — Altoona, Pennsylvania

The district officers would like to wish everyone a happy fall. Enjoy the autumn season, nature’s beauty and the activities that come with it. Be sure to stock up on candy for the trick-ortreaters when they come to call for Halloween.

Thank you to everyone who supported the Summer Pie Sale. We donated $250 to the Brian Morden Foundation and $250 to a local Relay for Life team.

Members of GBU District 45 attended the Flag Day activities in downtown Altoona. It was good to see past officers who were able to participate in and enjoy the festivities.

Thank you to the Home Office for organizing the GBU Community Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo again this year! The activities at the tent, especially the face painting and the animal encounter, were enjoyed by the younger members.

Speaking of animal encounters, thanks to everyone who participated in fundraising for Dreams Go On. This organization provides therapeutic horseback riding to adults and children who are physically challenged or receive mental/behavioral health or family therapy services.

Upcoming District Events

A pie sale to benefit St. Vincent DePaul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry will start on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. Orders are due by Monday, November 11, 2024. Assorted fruit and meringue pies as well as pumpkin rolls are available to order. Pickup will be between 10 AM and noon at the food pantry on Saturday, November 23, 2024. The pies would be good for Thanksgiving and will freeze well in a gallon-size Ziploc bag for the Christmas holiday too.

Assumption Chapel Food Pantry donation collection will be held during November, and donations can be dropped off at the food pantry on the day of the pie sale. If you need donations picked up, contact John and Robin Kessler at 814-943-4481.

Join us for the Veteran’s Day Parade that is tentatively scheduled for Monday, November 11, 2024, in downtown Altoona, starting at 10:30 AM. We plan to join the Federation of Fraternal Clubs Blair County Unit #1 to participate in the parade. Contact John and Robin Kessler for more information. Be sure to “Thank a Veteran” for his or her dedication and commitment to serving our great country.

The Children’s Christmas Party will be held in December in conjunction with the Unter Uns Club in Altoona, PA. There will be games, crafts, food and fun. Santa will be stopping in to check up on all the children, young and old, so be on your best behavior. The date for the party will be announced closer to December, so contact me for more information and to sign up.

We continue our GBU Cares project as we collect personal hygiene items to donate to the local shelters. To have a donation picked up, contact our Treasurer Betty Richardson at 814943-6655 or me. Motel-size or full-size bottles of shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant and similar items are greatly appreciated.

I would like to welcome into our GBU family the new members who have recently joined GBU and District 45. We hope you have the opportunity to participate in one of our many activities and meet some of our other members. Please feel free to contact me if you would like a copy of the District Calendar of Events or more information about District 45.

Please join us at our monthly meetings. They are held at 6 PM on the second Wednesday of each month at the Unter Uns Club, located at Van Buren Avenue and 14th Street in Altoona, PA. There will be no meetings in November or December. Your officers will be having Officer Meetings instead to plan for upcoming activities. Come learn, support and get involved in Fraternal Activities, and join us for refreshments.

- Robin Kessler, Fraternal Secretary 814-943-4481 or rob1jon@atlanticbb.net

From left to right: program volunteer and member Sophia DeGennaro; on one of the therapy horses, Program Director

Debbie Kelly and member Chantel DeGennaro

From left to right: program volunteer and member Sophia DeGennaro; on one of the therapy horses, Program Director Debbie Kelly and member Chantel DeGennaro

District 146 — Johnstown, Pennsylvania

Greetings from District 146!

Sending a reminder to all district members to donate to Operation Reach Out. Also, the district will continue to support 1st Summit Bank’s annual Needy Children Shopping Tour 2024. Donations can be mailed to Moxham GBU District 146, Children’s Christmas Fund, 40 Bridge Street, Johnstown, PA.

Upcoming District Events

The holidays are rapidly approaching, and we’ll continue to support numerous projects in the Johnstown area. This includes the Tribune Democrat Santa Fund, the Women’s Help Center Angel in Shelter Program and a holiday donation to St. Vincent de Paul Food for Families. Holiday fundraisers will be held in the clubroom to help with these projects. The district will host an adult Christmas Party (date to be determined) open to club members and district members as a thank-you for their continued support.

Happy Thanksgiving from District 146!

Meetings are usually held at 7 PM on the second Monday of the month (except July) at the Moxham Beneficial Home Association at 40 Bridge Street in Johnstown, PA. Call 814-5391290 or check the bulletin board in the clubroom for additional information and any changes to meeting dates.

Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

- Barbara Weimer, Fraternal Secretary 814-255-4710 or bkweimer@verizon.net

District 510 — Toledo, Ohio (summer 2024)

Note from the Editor: On behalf of the GBU Home Office, we apologize for the oversight regarding the photo submissions from District 510 in the Summer 2024 issue of The Reporter. We greatly value the contributions of District 510 and its leaders, and this omission does not reflect our appreciation. Our sincere apologies to Ms. Martin and all of District 510. To make amends, here are the missing photos from District 510 — Toledo, OH, which were intended for the summer issue of The Reporter

District 510 — Toledo, Ohio Greetings from District 510!

Before our monthly meeting on May 21, 2024, we enjoyed sub sandwiches, chili, corn chowder and a large variety of salads. Thanks to Kate Gladieux and “her crew of chefs” for the meal. At the meeting, it was announced that GBU 510 member Fritz Bertz wants to fund an annual scholarship for GBU 510. Fritz’s sister, Chris Cole, graciously came to the meeting and explained Fritz’s wishes concerning the scholarship. She presented GBU 510 President Tom Riedeman and Fraternal Secretary Jackie Martin with a check for $1,000.

THB dancers performing at Bock Bier Fest

Lucky winners of new fancy hats at the March meeting

All the smiles from the Easter Bunny Hop Thru

We met on May 22, 2024, at the Maibaum at Oak Shade Grove for a Helping Hands event. Volunteers weeded, prepped the beds, planted fresh flowers and mulched the Maibaum Garden.

The Toledo Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler dancers attended the 2024 Vier Lander Gebietsfest from June 14, 2024, through June 16, 2024, in Toledo, OH. Schuhplattler dance groups come together to share various dances, tracht, music, culture and fellowship.

We enjoyed a steak roast before the monthly meeting on June 18, 2024. Everyone cooked their steaks. A big thanks to everyone who helped. Special thanks to Marilyn Riedeman for procuring the steaks, Lynne Shoup for the baked potatoes and Hildegard Ruelke for cutting and plating the delicious desserts.

Kate Gladieux held a yard sale from June 2, 2024, through June 22, 2024, at her house, with all proceeds going to Best Friends Forever Rescue. GBU 510 members donated items for the sale, and several assisted Kate with the sale. The proceeds went toward veterinarian bills and medications for dogs in foster care.

GBU 510 members and the Toledo Holzhacker Buam Schuhplattler dancers attended the 2024 Schwabischer and Teutonia Chor Waldfest mit Gesang at Oak Shade Grove on July 20, 2024. Riley Hendricks , our new Miss GBU, led the GBU 510 group in the Parade of Flags. The THB adults and The Kindergruppe entertained the crowd with a multitude of dance performances.

Upcoming District Events

Tuesday, October 15 O ctober Monthly Meeting

Thursday, November 21 November Monthly Meeting & Elections

For current news on GBU District 510 events, please check the GBU District 510 Facebook page. We are looking forward to seeing everyone at our future meetings. If you have not been to a meeting lately, please join us for a light dinner and fellowship followed by our monthly meeting. Our regular meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month at the GAF. The meal will be served starting at 6 PM, and our meeting will start at 7 PM

- Jacqueline E. Martin, Fraternal Secretary 419-350-6684 or toysrmonica@sbcglobal.net

District 684 — Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

Greetings from District 684!

I hope everyone is enjoying the beautiful fall weather.

Over the summer, our district members were quite active. We continued to support South Hills Pet Rescue (SHPR) through various initiatives. In May, we hosted a Kentucky Derby Fundraiser, collecting needed items and monetary donations for SHPR.

Judy Bickel presented the donations and organized a volunteer day on June 13, 2024, during which several district members braved the heat and cramped quarters to paint kennels.

In June, district members participated in GBU Life Community Day at the Pittsburgh Zoo. It was a fun-filled day with a catered lunch, entertainment and prizes, providing enjoyment for both kids and adults.

In July, our district made donations to the Canon-MacMillan Cross Country Boosters for the Whiskey Rebellion 5K race on July 4, 2024, and to the Coraopolis Community Development Tag-a-Bag snack program. Additionally, our district sponsored the Brentwood 4th of July Parade, the Brentwood 5K Firecracker and the Brentwood Dukes youth football team.

Upcoming District Events

Sunday, December 1 B runch with Santa at South Hills Country Club

Please feel free to call me for more information about our district. We would love to expand our membership and welcome new ideas on community engagement and fraternalism.

- Jackie Alaimo, Fraternal Secretary 412-720-4801 or jackie.alaimo@gbu.org

District 699 — Frankenmuth, Michigan

Fraternal greetings from GBU 699!

We started April off with a board meeting, during which we went over many upcoming changes and events. On April 21, 2024, we had our regular meeting at da Vinci’s of Frankenmuth.

For May, we had our Join Hands Day event. This year, we cleaned up a park and a fishing pier in Saginaw and then had a nice pizza party at G’s Pizza in Saginaw.

On May 15, 2024, we had our regular meeting at the Panda House Chinese Restaurant in Saginaw, where we heard from Amy Bartels-Roe, who heads up the Mustard Seed Shelter in Saginaw. The Mustard Seed Shelter offers support for women and their children by assisting them with crisis and recovery resolution. The shelter also teaches life skills and helps them get back on their feet. GBU 699 proudly donated $1,500 to the shelter so that they could install new door locks and upgrade their security system.

In June, we had a phone board meeting to discuss changes and future events.

On June 19, 2024, we had our regular meeting at da Vinci’s of Frankenmuth, where we had guest Phil Kerns , who is the fire chief of Frankenmuth. GBU 699 donated $1,000 to the Frankenmuth Fire Department as our choice this year for the first responder program. GBU is proud to support those who support others in our community.

On June 26, 2024, GBU donated $1,000 to One Week One Street. This money goes toward the cleaning and repairs of one street in Saginaw in the more challenged part of town. Over the four

years in which GBU 699 has supported this program, we have seen the good it does for the community at large.

On June 29, 2024, we went to the GBU Detroit Zoo event. For July, we had our meeting at Don Felipe’s in Clio, MI. We had some very authentic Mexican food, and a good time was had by all who attended.

On July 4, 2024, GBU 699 donated their time to volunteer at the Volkslauf event in Frankenmuth. This is a running race held in Frankenmuth for charity. It is run by the JAYCEES of Frankenmuth and supports many local charities. We had two teams of volunteers. The first group worked an early check-in process, and a later group helped in cleaning up after the event was over.

On August 21, 2024, we had our regular meeting at da Vinci’s in Frankenmuth. In September, we had our meeting at Famous Dave’s BBQ in Saginaw.

As you can see, we are a very busy group. If anyone would like to visit one of our events or meetings, please contact Dan Pierce at dan.pierce@mail.com

- Dan Pierce, Fraternal Secretary 989-482-9020 or dan.pierce@mail.com

District 701 — Pontiac, Michigan (summer 2024)

Note from the Editor: On behalf of the GBU Home Office, we apologize for the oversight of District 701’s entry in the Summer 2024 issue of The Reporter. We deeply value the contributions and work of District 701 and its leaders, and this omission does not reflect that appreciation. We extend our sincere apologies to Mr. De Arment and all of District 701. As a correction, here is the missing entry intended for the summer issue of The Reporter from District 701-Pontiac, Michigan.

Greetings, friends! Once again, GBU District 701 and the DASV have a LOT on our plates for the upcoming summer/fall season, and your continued support and cooperation with these joint events are truly appreciated.

Many have asked, “What’s the deal with GBU District 701 and the DASV?” and “Why is there so much emphasis from District 701 on that one group?”

Well, you’d have to start way back in 1939, when a group of hard-working German immigrants had the idea to form a group with other like-minded Germans, in which they would share a common bond and stories of the homeland. Time passed, and in the late 1960s, they began building what was formerly the GBU District 701 clubhouse. Back in the earlier days, it was the German Beneficial Union, but it later became the Greater Beneficial Union in 1942. The clubhouse was later given to the DASV, as many of the original GBU members had passed on, and membership had declined. The best history lesson can be found at dasv.org. There are still several current DASV members who have more than 50+ years of DASV history to share. Reach out to some of them for some real stories of yesteryear. There's an amazing story here that's worth digging into!

To learn more about GBU District 701 and the history of the DASV, contact Fraternal Secretary Richard A. De Arment

District 701 — Pontiac, Michigan, Continued

Upcoming District Events

Friday, July 26

Saturday, July 27

Sunday, July 28

Saturday, September 7

Thursday, September 12

Friday, September 13

Saturday, October 19

Saturday, November 9

DA SV Park Cleanup for Schutzenfest at 3 PM

DASV Park Cleanup for Schutzenfest at 9 AM

DASV Schutzenfest featuring Tommy Schober (sponsored by GBU District 701)

DASV Chili Cookoff (sponsored by GBU District 701)

DASV Park Cleanup for Oktoberfest at 3 PM

DASV Oktoberfest featuring Tommy Schober (sponsored by GBU District 701)

Kronungsball at 6:30 PM

Winter Park Cleanup (all help appreciated!) at 9 AM

Please join us at our next GBU District 701 meeting. These meetings are typically held on the first Tuesday of the month at noon (call to confirm) at the DASV Clubhouse located at 2650 Auburn Road, just west of Squirrel Road.

- Richard A. De Arment, Fraternal Secretary 248-709-4949 or metrodetroitbroker@gmail.com

District 701 — Pontiac, Michigan

Greetings, all! To address the double article you’re reading from District 701, the Home Office acknowledged a miscommunication in an article submission for the summer 2024 issue of The Reporter. Now, to the newer good stuff!

The DASV pig roast in June was another success! The DASV held its annual traditional German Pig Roast on June 15, 2024 , at Schuetzen Park, located at 2650 Auburn Road in Auburn Hills.

The weather gods looked favorably on the event, with clear skies, low humidity and moderate temperatures. The event was well attended, with around 200 guests, including club members and visitors from adjoining communities.

Special thanks to everyone who prepared the amazing food enjoyed by all! Traditional and contemporary music was performed by Tommy Schober and Sorgenbrecher, entertaining the guests well into the evening.

Looking forward to seeing all of you at the event next year.

Also, in late June, a bunch of us in District 701 and guests joined up with fellow GBU members for the annual Detroit Zoo gathering. It was the perfect opportunity to walk around and enjoy a bountiful lunch provided by the GBU Home Office. Probably the best remark submitted was from District 701’s very own Michele Kotlarski , who said,

“It’s been many years since I’ve visited the Detroit Zoo ... As for the GBU gathering, the food was excellent, [there was] a great turnout, and neat GBU swag [was] being given out. It was a nice open-air covered venue, many conversations were being had and the cover kept us dry from a short rainfall ... It was a hot and humid day, but a cool time was had by all!”

The DASV needs volunteers to help clean up the grounds before and sometimes after big events. With nearly four acres of heavily wooded land and a nearly 100-year-old building requiring routine maintenance, there is always plenty to do. Additionally, many District 701 members dedicate their time to managing these events. We deeply appreciate GBU’s efforts to give back to the DASV in recognition of the time volunteers contribute to these events. For more details, see Richard!

On July 28, 2024, the Deutsch Amerikanisher Schuetzen Verein held its annual Schuetzen Fest, a tradition dating back over 350 years in Germanic countries. Additionally, this year marks the 85th anniversary of the DASV, originally formed by German immigrants in 1939 in Detroit, MI.

After four hours of intense competition, three shooters were left to compete for the title of Schuetzen Koenig; DASV President Jim Binder, Schuetzen Major Paul Werner and DASV Vice President Ken Burney. The competition finished with Ken taking home the title and all related responsibilities.

The weather was tepid, but nearly 300 attendees filled the Schuetzen park to participate in the festivities. Special guests Laqueeta Coleman from the GBU Home Office; Ingrid Stein, president of the GACC (germanamericanmetrodetroit.org) and others were recognized at the beginning of the ceremonies. The German, Austrian and American anthems were played; National flags were posted; and the festivities began.

Noah and Violet at the Zoo, GBU Life event, 2024

The DASV Schuetzen members

An enthusiastic member giving away GBU Life swag

District 701 — Pontiac, Michigan, Continued

To be fair, SO many District 701 members donate their time by working these cultural events at the DASV. Therefore, here's a BIG “thank-you” to the GBU Home Office for supporting District 701 in their partnership with the DASV to keep these events going. “Vielen Dank.”

Upcoming District Events

Friday, October 4

Saturday, October 19

Saturday, November 9

Friday, December 6

Saturday, December 14

Sunday, December 15

Friday, January 10

G BU District 701 monthly meeting at the DASV

DASV Kronungsball Coronation Ball at 6:30 PM

DASV Fall Park cleanup at 9 AM

G BU District 701 Christmas Party (location and time TBD)

DASV Christmas Party setup at 9 AM

DASV Christmas Party at 1 PM

G BU District 701 monthly meeting at the DASV (time TBD)

Please consider talking with us at a District 701 meeting — usually held the first Tuesday of each month at the DASV clubhouse on Auburn Road in Auburn Hills. Phone ahead for specific meeting days and times, or check the online community at GBU ( inside.gbu.org/member-community).

GBU is still the best bet for your long-term investment!

- Richard A. De Arment, Fraternal Secretary 248-709-4949 or metrodetroitbroker@gmail.com

District 707 — Grand Rapids, Michigan

We had a busy quarter learning about some wonderful projects in West Michigan.

On April 24, 2024, we had Mary Suarez from The Hope Project speak to us about this inspiring group. Victims of human trafficking come to them to receive counseling for themselves and also for the family unit. Ninety-one percent of victims are sold by their parents. The Hope Project team also goes into school districts to conduct training, animal therapy, mentoring programs and awareness-raising activities. We collaborated on a fundraising event with GBU District 5000, the International Order of Vikings (IOV), to benefit The Hope Project. The event was held on May 11, 2024, at the IOV Linne Lodge in Muskegon,

MI.It was a derby party with horse racing, 50/50s, silent auctions, derby hat competitions, and fabulous food and beverages. Thank you to District 5000 for allowing us to collaborate on this wonderful event with your group. Great fun and wonderful new friends — a super way for districts to get involved!

On May 22, 2024, we enjoyed learning about the West Michigan Genealogy Society. It was founded in 1954 to preserve and make available for genealogical research the records of our ancestors, encouraging and assisting members in genealogical research and promoting the exchange of knowledge while also encouraging the deposit of genealogical records in established libraries and archives. Our speaker, Lisa Christianson, gave us insight into the importance of educating and preserving records.

Michelle Needham from the West Michigan Jazz Society spoke to us on June 26, 2024. We presented her with our donation check for 1st Quarter Giving. This society offers free concerts to expose the public to jazz. They also have school programs for kids going into jazz. For 30 years, the Jazz Society has helped our community encourage jazz.

Big news for District 707 — an agent is available for you!

We welcome District 707 member Kirk VanderLaan as our district representative for all of our insurance needs: Kirk VanderLaan, 2439 Cedar Hill Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525, 616-889-4528.

- J udy Cwiklinski, Fraternal Secretary 616-454-6026 or jcwik227@yahoo.com

Lisa G , Mary H and Virginia

District 810 — Cleveland, Ohio

GBU District 810 and netWorth Partners hosted a few community events in the 2nd quarter and have a few planned for the 3rd quarter.

District 810 2nd Quarter Hosted Events

Grace Race: On May 27, 2024, at Grace Race in Akron, OH, we raised funds and supported Feed My Starving Children. There were over 800 people in attendance, and many children enjoyed receiving prizes at our sponsor booth. Their favorite prizes were the GBU Push Pop Toy and the GBU Triangle Highlighter! The event was fun and very successful, raising over $50,000!

Lake Erie Crushers Baseball Game: On May 29, 2024, we attended a Lake Erie Crushers baseball game in Avon, OH. It was attended by over 30 people. The Crushers played against the Florence Y’alls. While the Florence Y’alls crushed the ball early, late heroics propelled the Lake Erie Crushers past Florence to a final score of 6-4. Those in attendance enjoyed watching the win and eating a picnic-style lunch.

Cornerstone of Hope Memorial Butterfly Release: On June 22, 2024, the Cornerstone of Hope Memorial Butterfly Release was a special event. netWorth Partners remembered members, clients and loved ones in this special event at Cornerstone of Hope in Cleveland, OH. This family-friendly event allowed attendees to release butterflies, nature's symbols of transformation and beauty, to honor and remember their loved ones.

District 810 3rd Quarter Events

Family Movie Day: On July 23, 2024, we hosted a GBU Family Movie Day. We watched Despicable Me 4 at Cinemark Movie Theater at Strongsville Mall. A GBU District 810 meeting was held before the event.

Bouquets & Bubbles: On August 17, 2024, we held the Bouquets & Bubbles event at In the Woods, 13570 Ridge Road, North Royalton, OH. We created beautiful arrangements using floral foam and enjoyed a glass of bubbly!

Taste of Hope: On September 5, 2024, we attend the Taste of Hope event at Cornerstone of Hope, 5905 Brecksville Road, Independence, OH. The Toast of the Night Celebration and fundraising event was an evening of restaurant samplings and entertainment as Cornerstone of Hope hosted its Annual Taste of Hope on its beautiful grounds. The casual evening offered a premier culinary experience with spectacular samplings of food and drink from local restaurants, breweries and wineries, along with entertainment, music and raffles.

- Lynne Powers, Fraternal Secretary 216-441-1040 or lynne@4mynetworth.com

District 815 — Dayton, Ohio

The Relay for Life was a fantastic success! Pictured are Beth Fischer, Shelley Staddon, myself and Barb DeLong.

Ella Davidson, captain for Team GBU, said the Relay raised around $50,000! The original goal was $40,000. Through the Give Back Group, we were able to play a part in making this possible! Thank you, GBU!

Our May gathering was at Dayton West Library. Andrew Hershner, our guest speaker, spoke about Dayton’s history. He was extremely informative, and we had a pleasant evening. Thank you to Jácque Slater for arranging the event and to Barb DeLong for getting the subs.

District 815 — Dayton, Ohio, Continued

Jilyan Wilson will attend the Rochester Institute of Technology this fall. Monika Wilson, Jilyan’s grandmother and Gita Lewis, her greataunt, were there to receive her check from the district. Our former District Treasurer Paula Boehm was her great-grandmother. We wanted to do something special in Paula’s name.

Upcoming District Events

Saturday, October 19 8:30 AM Registration / 10 AM Walk Begins: Hospice Walk (324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, OH 45420)

Wednesday, October 23 Day of Giving (we will have additional info soon)

Thanksgiving & Christmas Plans (we will have additional info soon).

- C hristine van Breukelen, Fraternal Secretary 937-885-4784 or wvanbreukelen@compuserve.com

District 821 — Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear friends,

It’s been a busy spring and summer for me and my fellow District 821 members.

There was a sales meeting in Ohio that explained the new index annuity product in detail. It is another product guaranteed “never to lose money” and offers a chance to participate in market gains in the index market. Members should keep this in mind, as it could be a valuable addition to your portfolio.

At the Utica Community School’s Annual Art Display show, District 821 member Matthias Krenzer, who has been one of the school's art teachers for the last 20 years, displayed thousands of works of art made by the students in all different formats. Fellow District 821 members were there, and we were amazed by the children’s creativity. These were the works of Grades 1 through 6. Our Spring Concert was on May 5, 2024, and it was a very festive

event. It was beautifully decorated with spring-color-themed tablecloths and different-colored geranium plants.

The choir’s President David Bohde greeted everyone and thanked them for coming. GACC President Ingrid Stein gave special mention to the other German clubs present. She also presented a special bouquet to Edith Kuplent , who served as the president of the GBU Choir for over 50 years and still serves our district. We sang familiar German and American songs, ending with “God Bless America,” and all were invited to sing with us. What a majestic sound it was! Afterward, we enjoyed delicious cakes and many raffle prizes: various goodie baskets and other gifts donated by each singer and, finally, the geraniums from the tables. Many went home with prizes.

The Schwaben Male Chorus’ 90th Concert at the GACC on May 11, 2024, was also very pleasant. Fifteen district members were there to support it (we enjoy music and singing). The hall looked very festive, and they served a tasty meal including dessert.

The Welcome Spring event on May 17, 2024, was also well attended. We enjoyed a potluck with many delicious options, followed by our usual Gemütlichkeit. The new guests participating enjoyed it!

We were happy to visit District 630’s 100th Anniversary Celebration on May 19, 2024, and sang the German and American National Anthems and two additional songs. We were happy to see Chairman of the Board Lea Ann Hazi , who has been a member of GBU since 1987 and has served on the GBU Board of Directors for the past 30 years.

On June 4, 2024, District 821 welcomed Laqueeta Coleman , Great Lakes engagement specialist, to our meeting at the new GACC building. She congratulated us on our 25th anniversary and encouraged us to have a special event. She also gave some information about the two new member benefits, LawAssure and Empathy.

Also in attendance were visitors from the ALS Association. Gloria Rentz, the event experience manager, informed us that they are committed to funding groundbreaking research worldwide to find new treatments and a cure. Many of us had heard about ALS in the past but never knew about its seriousness. Our district decided that we will support this foundation.

Of course, we cannot forget the wonderful time we had at the GBU Community Day at the Detroit Zoo on June 29, 2024! Thank you to GBU Home Office Representatives Laqueeta Coleman, Mary Koczan and Karen Ferguson for joining the Michigan districts at this exciting event!

Other Recent District Events

On July 14, 2024, we had a good time at our annual GBU Picnic. August 11, 2024, was the date of our German American Festival, and September 20, 2024, was the date of our Fall Fest (GACC). Good times were had by many!

Lastly, our newest project is to help approximately 10,000 local children currently in foster care. The Oakland County Foster Closet, a 501(c)(3) organization in Farmington Hills, offers essentials that these children need: hygiene items, clothing, socks, underwear, school supplies and similar items. They are in dire need of hygiene items, such as soap, shampoo, lotion, toothbrushes and more. Our district has set up a box at the GACC to donate these items. We ask any GBU members in the area to donate items to those in need.

Upcoming District Events

Sunday, October 6 G erman American Day

Friday, October 25 Halloween Party

Sunday, November 3 G BU Fall Concert

Sunday, November 17 Volkstrauertag Singing (Fort Custer)

Sunday, December 1 GACC Christmas Party

Sunday, December 8 S inging (Historic Trinity)

Friday, December 13 G BU Christmas Party

Date TBD S inging (Waltenwood Lakeside)

- M arianne Krenzer, Fraternal Secretary 586-776-7058 or mekrenzer@hotmail.com

District 1000 — LFA

Dear members,

“I love the scents of winter! For me, it’s all about the feeling you get when you smell pumpkin spice, cinnamon, nutmeg, gingerbread and spruce.” - Taylor Swift

39th Annual Concordia Food-a-Thon: This was Richard Hallgren’s favorite charity and fundraiser of the year. He loved driving down to the seminary and talking with the staff, students and future pastors there. Rose Penzien has continued the tradition, and it is something that the seminary students look forward to as well. They are so appreciative of the donations and the support that our district provides them. You should have received a flier in the mail with a return envelope.

Mel Ott / Lutheran Night: GBU at the Ballpark was held on August 9, 2024. Our members that attended enjoyed a wonderful night at the ballpark watching the Westside Woolly Mammoths versus the Birmingham Bloomfield Beavers. There was even a fireworks spectacular after the baseball game. This is one of our most attended events every year, and this year, we sold out of our tickets!

LFA #57 Golf Outing: The annual Carl F. Gerds Jr. Memorial Golf Outing and Fundraiser was held on September 15, 2024. GBU District 1000 sponsored a hole at the golf outing. Congratulations to the winning team, and thank you to those who participated and raised money for the Carl F. Gerds Jr. Memorial.

Upcoming District Events

Mark your calendars! (Events may be subject to change.)

We will be trying to get some events together for members to participate in. If you have any ideas that you want to share, please let us know.

Oktoberfest: “Prost” means "cheers" in German and is something you’ll find in plenty of at LFA #57’s Oktoberfest! Join us for an unforgettable Oktoberfest celebration on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 6 PM at the LFA #57 Hall in Eastpointe. Oktoberfest at LFA #57 is more than just a beer festival; it’s a celebration steeped in history, tradition and cultural heritage. Join us as we celebrate Oktoberfest with a toast to tradition, music and camaraderie.

LFA #57 Christmas Party: We hope that you can make time to celebrate LFA #57’s Christmas dinner and raffle night with your LFA family on Monday, December 2, 2024, at the LFA #57 Hall in

Eastpointe. Christmas is a time when we celebrate the birth of our Savior with family and friends. This is, after all, the most wonderful time of the year to renew our Christian fellowship with each other, and this is one of our big events. See you there!

Relay for Life: This event will be held on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at the Chippewa Valley Ninth Grade Center. As the date gets closer, we will send out a flier with more information.

Reminders

We have “gently used” wheelchairs and walkers available for pick up at our district office, at no cost for anyone in need.

LWML is collecting canceled postage stamps for their Stamps for Mission Program. Simply cut off the canceled stamp from the envelope and bring it to the next function, and we will see that it gets to the LWML.

If any members have any suggestions or ideas for events that they would like GBU to consider, please feel free to let us know. We want to encourage more members to get involved and attend events. Let us know what activities you would like GBU to host. Please feel free to call 586-677-2020.

The District Officer’s Meeting will be held on Wednesday, November 13, 2024, at 6:30 PM via Google Meets. For information regarding life insurance and annuities, such as IRAs and Roth IRAs, please call 586-677-2020 or fax 586-677-2050, and your agent or a representative servicing your area will contact you.

“Christian Volunteering Is Contagious.”

- S tacia (Penzien) Zarzycki, Vice President 586-677-2020 or smpenzien@yahoo.com

District 2000 — ULS

District Scholarships Awarded

This year, District 2000 awarded 10 scholarships totaling $7,500 as each student received a $750 grant toward their tuition costs. Congratulations to the following scholarship recipients: Hailey Biehl , Amber Cross , Andrew Kalmanowicz , Lilly Kulaga , Gabriel Lucas , Emma Nemecek , Caelen Plummer, Elizabeth Rajnik , Phoebe Rusch and Addison Vandegriff. District scholarship applications will once again be available next year, beginning Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Assembly Activities

Several members of Assembly 2A in Hazleton, PA, volunteered to spend some time with residents of Providence Place, an assisted living facility. They met many interesting people while sharing good fellowship. A few residents were happy to pose for pictures:

Assembly 9 President Deb Voldrich, Garth Moore, Sandy Spann and Sue Bobby display some of the items for their annual rummage sale held at Dr. Martin Luther Church in Cleveland, Ohio. A net profit of $2,331.75 was raised, and funds will be used for roof repairs of the church, with a portion going to a nearby homeless shelter.

In addition, $500 was received under the District 2000 sharing funds program. President Voldrich presents a $500 check to the church’s Vice President Fred Spann

Autum Sagan (standing) looks on as residents show off their coloring skills

Alice Hollman and Ivy Wilco surround Wilson with a brief but joyful visit

Holly Ciotola gives Joe a two-handed handshake goodbye

Assembly #9 President Deb Voldrich (right) presents Sheryl Slough with a $100 check

Sheryl Slough won our 1st Quarter Assembly Attendance

Drawing by participating in her local assembly activities. You could become our next winner by attending your assembly’s next function!

Life Insurance, Annuities, IRAs, Fraternal Benefits

Check out the GBU website at gbu.org for more information on their valuable financial products and fraternal benefits.

‘til next time!

- Jerry A. Hauser, Treasurer 724-953-8287 or jdhauser1@comcast.net

District 3000 — Hungarian Reformed Federation of America (HRFA)

Meet Melissa Pepin, district secretary of GBU District 3000

Melissa Pepin has been an active member of the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America (HRFA) and, subsequently, GBU District 3000 since she was a child. Her grandparents bought her first HRFA insurance policy when she was an infant. Her parents, Paul and Margie Bodo, brought her to the Hungarian Reformed Church in New Brunswick, NJ, to enjoy the church life, social gatherings, and HRFA fraternal activities and events. Melissa started volunteering in the Hungarian community at a young age and became familiar with this community, the Magyar (Hungarian) Reformed Church and the HRFA. As a result, she was well-known in the Hungarian community by the time GBU and HRFA merged. It was a natural transition for Melissa to begin assuming leadership roles in the New Brunswick area and with GBU District 3000. She started her first leadership role with District 3000 as regional secretary in New Jersey in 2009. Melissa has quite an academic background, with several degrees to her name, and was proud to be awarded District 3000 scholarships as well as a GBU Foundation scholarship to assist in her studies.

Today, she is not only the first vice president and secretary of GBU District 3000 but also the executive director of the American Hungarian Foundation (AHF), a national nonprofit organization focused on the preservation of the history, culture

and heritage of the Hungarian people in America. AHF houses a significant library of English and Hungarian language books that tell the American Hungarian story and share the values, culture and traditions of Hungarians in America. The foundation also has a museum with Hungarian artwork, folk artifacts, clothing and music presentations, often with wonderful Hungarian food and desserts. It often serves as a meeting place for dignitaries and diplomats.

I would encourage everyone to stop in at the American Hungarian Foundation in New Brunswick, New Jersey (Somerset Street) whenever the opportunity presents itself.

I asked Melissa what she found rewarding and fulfilling in her work with GBU. Melissa said she has appreciated the opportunity to hone her leadership skills. She also finds joy in bringing new volunteers to our community and helping them learn new skills along the way. She recognizes that “one hand washes the other,” and she gives back by mentoring others.

Melissa has done a great job with District 3000 and has distinguished herself by taking on the role of district secretary for the last eight years. She contributes significantly to discussions about how we can improve reporting on our volunteer work and gathering information to forward to the Home Office.

We thank you, Melissa, for being a great worker, great friend and partner in the work we do for our members.

Also, as a note, the Kossuth Foundation, successor organization to the HRFA, is asking District 3000 members to express their interest in registering as members of the Kossuth Foundation. If interested, please visit kossuthfoundation.org//#contact

- Rev. Leslie E. Martin, Past President

MAKE-A-DATE

Please check with one of the officers of the district to confirm whether or not an event is canceled.

Date District Event

OCTOBER

4 701 (MI) G BU District 701 monthly meeting at DASV

6 821 (MI) G erman American Day

9 45 (PA) Fall Pie Sale benefiting St. Vincent De Paul Assumption Chapel Food Pantry begins

15 510 (OH) October Monthly Meeting

18 1000 (MI) Oktoberfest celebration, 6 PM

19 701 (MI) K ronungsball, 6:30 PM

19 815 (OH) Registration: Hospice Walk (324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, OH 45420), 8:30 AM

19 815 (OH) Walk Begins: Hospice Walk (324 Wilmington Avenue, Dayton, OH 45420), 10 AM

2 3 A LL G BU Life's Day of Giving (we will have additional info soon)

25 821 (MI) Halloween Party

NOVEMBER

3 821 (MI) G BU Fall Concert

9 701 (MI) DASV Fall Park cleanup, 9 AM

11 45 (PA) Fall Pie Sale orders due 11 45 (PA) Veterans' Day Parade, downtown Altoona, 10 AM 13 1000 (MI) District Officer’s Meeting 17 821 (MI) Volkstrauertag Singing (Fort Custer) 21 510 (OH) November Monthly Meeting and Officer Elections

23 45 (PA) Fall Pie Sale orders pickup, Assumption Chapel Food Pantry, 10 AM–12 PM

DECEMBER

1 684 (PA) B runch with Santa at South Hills Country Club 1 821 (MI) GACC Christmas Party

2 1000 (MI) Christmas dinner and raffle night

6 701 (MI) G BU District 701 Christmas Party (location and time TBD)

8 821 (MI) S inging (Historic Trinity) 13 821 (MI) G BU Christmas Party

14 701 (MI) DASV Christmas Party set up, 9 AM

15 701 (MI) DASV Christmas Party, 1 PM

JANUARY

1 2000 (PA) District 2000 College Scholarship applications available

10 701 (MI) G BU District 701 monthly meeting at DASV (time TBD)

GBU District 45 — Altoona, PA

130th Anniversary

Cheers to 130 years of Fraternal and Community Service!

Supporting our Districts

Annual Picnic

Held at the Swiss Club in Altoona, PA, District 45 welcomed members of the district and community organizations they support to come and celebrate its 130th anniversary.

(from left to right)

Francis B. Madison Award Recipient

The Hollidaysburg Area School District German Club was presented with a donation from the district to help support the education of German culture and heritage in Blair County.

Debra Picano was presented with the Francis B. Madison award for her acts of service in the district and the community, including participating in service projects for Join Hands Day, assisting with pie sale fundraisers benefiting 501(c)(3) organizations and supporting St. Vincent DePaul Assumption Chapel's food pantry.

Hollidaysburg Area School District German Club

FRATERNAL ADVENTURES

It was a busy summer of fun and volunteering for our fraternal teams. Now we are starting to prepare for Fall and the holiday giving season.

Districts Leader Mary Koczan attended a meeting of the American Fraternal Alliance in Sioux Falls, SD. All attendees completed a charitable project where they built beds from scratch for families in need in that local community.

than 600 school supply kits for children at the Pittsburgh Carmalt K-8 school, GBU’s adopted school. Schools serviced by The Education Partnership have 90% or more students participating in the free lunch program.

GBU Home Office team members and local producers met up at the Milwaukee German Fest in July.

While we visited Milwaukee, members of the Home Office sales team hosted a meeting for local producers to get updates on products and programs offered by GBU Life.

GBU Life has been the sponsor of the Cultural Village at the Milwaukee German Fest for the past two years.

The Sales, Marketing, Communications and Community Engagement teams were happy to take a break and pose for a picture at the GBU Employee Picnic.

This year, GBU members and their families had a blast at our first member event at Idlewild Park and Soak Zone.

The GBU Home Office crew was happy to get together with GBU District 510 and many local members at the Toledo German-American Festival. It is always a favorite event for the kids!

GBU friends Johanna and Daisy supported each other during the GBU-sponsored Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation’s football skills camp in early June.

The GBU crew partnered with the Aaron Donald 99 Solutions Foundation and University of Pittsburgh Athletics to pack and distribute backpacks filled with school supplies at Catalyst Academy in Pittsburgh.

We finished off the summer and started the fall season with a sponsorship of “An Evening Under the Stars” to benefit the Carrie Martin and Caring for Kids fund at Children’s Hospital. It was a beautiful yet chilly evening.

FAMILY MOVIE EVENTS

Grab some popcorn and read how GBU districts supported community engagement with some movie magic.

Home State Region

District 291 Summerhill/Lilly, PA

GBU District 291, Summerhill Baseball & Recreation, Summerhill Fire Department and Croyle Township Police Department teamed up for a community block party. Members of the community enjoyed various activities, including a bounce house and slide, face painting and games. A special bike safety presentation was given, along with donated helmets to families in need. The day ended with The Garfield Movie being projected onto the side of the fire department building.

Great Lakes Region

District 810 Cleveland, OH

District 810 and netWorth Partners hosted a private viewing of Despicable Me 4 at Cinemark Strongsville. They provided yummy snacks and drinks while parents enjoyed quality time with little ones. It was a great way to bring everyone together, have fun and create lasting memories.

Learn more about GBU districts, where they are located and the causes they support at inside.gbu.org/gbu-life-districts.

thank you

Donna Brophy

GBU Life extends its heartfelt gratitude to Donna Brophy and John Schmotzer, our long-time board members, for their dedicated service on the GBU Board of Directors. As they retire from their board duties, we wish them the very best. Thank you both for your outstanding contributions to GBU's growth and advancement of its fraternal mission.

“After 40 years of serving on GBU’s Board of Directors, it is time to start the retirement chapt er of my life. It has been an honor and a privilege working with everyone at GBU, including employees, district members and the GBU family at large. One favor to ask is to keep the ‘fraterna l flame’ burning in your hearts and in your community. We all can use a helping hand now and then.”

John Schmotzer

“It’s been an honor to serve on the Board of Directors of GBU. I hope during my tenure I contributed to making GBU Life one of the finestrun fraternal insurance companies by providing financial security through our annuities and insurance policies for our members. I’ve had the privilege of working with my fellow board members and developing friendships that I cherish. I know that the new board members will always put our members first. I had the honor of working with two outstanding CEOs, Jim Stoker and William Hunt. Mr. Stoker created the foundation for GBU, and Mr. Hunt is building on that foundation for the future success of GBU.”

Board of Directors Updates

We are pleased to announce that for this two-year term, Joseph Bielecki will be returning to the board of directors. Also joining the board are Frank Bria and John Swanick. The new term for these board members begins November 1, 2024. We hope that you will join us in giving them a warm welcome to our leadership team.

Joseph Bielecki

Frank Bria

John Swanick

NORTH AMERICAN SWISS ALLIANCE Welcome

GBU is excited to welcome new members to the GBU Life family! With the recent completion of the North American Swiss Alliance (NASA) merger, we are thrilled to welcome 1,900 new members from NASA. For years, NASA has been a vibrant fraternal organization dedicated to preserving Swiss culture through activities, partnerships and events hosted by its local lodges.

NASA’s members have a rich history of involvement in cultural events, including a meeting with the Swiss Consul General, Balz Abplanalp, during his visit to Denver in June 2022 and participation in the annual Swiss Coupe Colorado Jass Tournament. They have also been active in community projects such as funding college scholarships, sponsoring German American Festival (GAF) summer camp and the GAF Hummel look-alike contest, donating to local organizations and hosting member events like dinners, picnics and gatherings.

Our new partnership will add several new GBU districts in cities, including Toledo, Milwaukee, Cleveland and Denver. Please welcome our newest members and districts. As activities and events are posted, they will be available to view on our events page, inside.gbu.org/events.

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

OPERATION REACH OUT Stockings for Soldiers

This year, GBU will continue to support the needs and wish lists of deployed troops and veterans. Our goal is to help as many veterans and deployed service men and women as possible through our partnership with Operation Troop Appreciation

During the holiday season, you can help provide stockings full of snacks, games and gifts to deployed service members. As always, your support is needed and appreciated. Your donations help to ensure that our efforts reach as far as possible, and your cards and kind words of support for our troops help make the packages we send truly special. We plan to schedule volunteer packing days throughout the year. Be sure to check the online events page for dates and sign-up information.

Download a card to color or send a note of thanks. Cards are available for download at gbucares.org/operation-reach-out

Sponsor a stocking for just $20 by filling out the form to the left and sending it, along with your check, to the address listed. You can also sponsor a stocking online using the QR code or link below.

Silent Disco

School dances can be an exciting way for students to socialize with their peers and have fun! Unfortunately, though, the loud and typically chaotic atmosphere of dances can create an unbearable environment for students with sensory sensitivities. Mrs. Giorgi, a high school autistic support teacher, found inspiration to create a Silent Disco for her school’s students by providing them with headphones. In November 2019, Trinity School District was able to host their first Silent Disco for students. Over the years, with nonstop fundraising, the Silent Disco has grown into a widely successful annual event.

This year, team members used the Give Back Groups program to increase funding for the project and multiple schools across the area were able to participate in the fun! One idea was able to and continues to make a huge impact across communities.

If you are working to raise funds for an organization or project that impacts your local community, GBU will match the funds your group raises, up to $1,000 per GBU member to a maximum of $5,000 per group.

Fundraising can be organized in any way you prefer: in person, through a mail campaign or even via Facebook. Check out inside.gbu.org/benefits to learn more!

Give Back Group

C o m m u n i t y M o s a i c

give the gift of remembrance and celebration by adding a photo to our community mosaic. With a donation of $25 or more to the GBU Foundation, your photo will be integrated into this unique piece of GBU history. Visit gbu.org/community-mosaic to learn more and upload a photo to honor a loved one, to mark a special moment or simply to participate in shaping this beautiful image!

Funds raised from January 1, 2024, to June 30, 2024

UPDAT ES

GBU Life Community Pillars

At GBU Life, our mission is to empower members to support the causes they’re passionate about within their local communities. We focus our efforts on four core pillars: wellness, education, charitable giving and hometown hero support. These totals reflect the combined contributions to each GBU pillar, achieved through various initiatives, such as One Member at a Time, Give Back Groups, One Hour at a Time, Birthday Match, Team to Team and GBU Foundation scholarships and grants, as well as GBU sponsorships and district fundraising efforts. The collective efforts of GBU Life, The GBU Foundation, GBU districts and our dedicated members come together to create a significant impact in our local communities!

MEET THE 2024 GBU VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Kristen Whitehill

Kristen was nominated by a fellow GBU member for her outstanding service in her community. Keep reading to learn more about her accomplishments, followed by a brief Q&A.

“At only 20 years old, Kristen goes above and beyond to be an active member of her community. Kristen volunteers as a 4-H leader of a local club.

Last summer, she worked with community members, writing and presenting proposals, hosting planning meetings and collecting a $25,000 sponsorship to improve a county fair facility where kids work with and wash their animals to look their best before showing.

This summer, she started an FFA Alumni & Supporters chapter to support the students in the local FFA (the FFA is an organization that supports agricultural education and youth development). She attended meetings and assisted in writing a constitution and bylaws, got an EIN and set up a bank account.” -

Submitted by Gage W.

Q&A WITH KRISTEN!

What are your hobbies/interests?

“I love to garden and be in the kitchen! I spend my free time baking bread and desserts, making delicious homecooked meals and canning food anytime I get a chance. My husband and I live on my family's dairy farm. I enjoy getting to work with our cows, sheep and pigs, exhibiting them at the county fair and continually learning from them at home.”

Who is your role model, and why?

“As stated by Aaron Kroon, ‘Being a role model is not just about what you do; it's about what you inspire others to become.’ Throughout my life, time and time again, I always looked up to my father. He is always willing to help others however he possibly can and is always thinking about how he can leave a positive impact on the next generation.”

What is your advice to members who want to get involved with a cause they care about but have trouble getting started or finding time to participate?

“If there is a cause you believe in, talk to people Chances are, there are people in your community who have the same beliefs Everyone out there is busy, so if there is something you want to be involved in, you can make time. Making a difference can start with a Facebook group or even some emails/text messages.”

HOW IT WORKS

BIRTHDAYMatch

Make a charitable donation to a 501(c)(3) organization on your birthday, and GBU Life (GBU) will match it, up to $100! To qualify, simply upload a receipt or screenshot of your donation and submit an online application to GBU within 60 days of your birthday.

TOTAL RAISED THROUGH BIRTHDAY MATCH IN 2024 SO FAR:

JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH APRIL

$5,850 $6,578 $9,690 $8,222 JUNE JULY AUGUST $5,400 $10,600 $7,400 MAY $8,800

For more information or to submit an application, visit GBUCARES.ORG/BIRTHDAY-MATCH.

How about a Birthday Match reminder?

Email memberbenefits@gbu.org with your name and birth month, and we will send you a reminder during the month of your birthday!

Start a Facebook birthday fundraiser, and GBU will match what you raise, up to $250!

Melissa Etheridge Rocks the Stage: Highlights from the 2024 Women Who Rock® Benefit Concert

Women Who Rock®—a trailblazing, female-founded brand championing women in music, empowerment and health–hosted its annual benefit concert on 28, 2024. In partnership with Magee-Womens Research Institute 501(c)(3), Lesley Mann, chief marketing and distribution officer, proudly represented presenting our stage sponsorship check at the sold-out show.

Women Who Rock® continues to make waves its dynamic initiatives, including pop-up events and all-female line-up benefit concerts that amplify women’s voices and advocate for women’s health. This year’s concert was a tremendous success, raising over $400,000 for critical, understudied and underfunded women’s health research!

Headlined by the iconic Melissa Etheridge featuring special emcee performances from actor and singer Margot Bingham, with music from Pittsburgh’s own DJ Femi, the event was electric. Stage AE in Pittsburgh was packed with fans, many dazzling in sequined hot pink outfits.

Our team was thrilled to join the energetic crowd in support of this fantastic cause. As a second-year Official Stage Sponsor, we are honored to support Women Who Rock® as part of GBU’s community pillar and excited to be part of such a meaningful event.

Want to catch the highlights from the 2024 Women Who Rock® concert and see how GBU Life is helping to make a difference? Head over to our TikTok page for exclusive clips and behind-the-scenes moments from this incredible event!

THE GBU FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS & GRANTS

GBU Life (GBU) established the GBU Foundation in 1963 to offer academic scholarships to its members. Through 2024, the GBU Foundation has awarded over 4,000 scholarships totaling almost $3,000,000 to members attending two-year, four-year and graduate programs.

Visit gbufoundation.awardspring.com for the latest information about GBU Foundation scholarships.

GBU Foundation Scholarships

Four-Year Scholarships (4 years)

For eligible GBU members entering four-year programs leading to a bachelor’s degree.

$1,500 per year, renewable for up to three years.

Bert Waltenberger Memorial Scholarship. Applicant must be involved in German-related programs and sports activities to be designated to receive this award.

$1,500 per year, renewable for up to three years

Clarence O. Affelt Architecture/Fine Art Memorial Scholarship. Applicant must have a declared major in architecture or fine arts to be considered for this award.

$1,000 first year with $500/year renewal for up to three additional years.

Two-Year Scholarships (2 years)

For eligible GBU members entering or enrolled in degree, certificate or trade programs up to two years in duration, offered by vocational/technical schools, nursing schools, community colleges and similar institutions.

$1,000 per year, renewable for up to one additional year.

Undergraduate Scholarships (3 years)

For eligible GBU members in college programs leading to a bachelor’s degree.

$1,000 per year, renewable for up to two years.

Graduate Scholarships (2 years)

For eligible GBU members entering or enrolled in college graduate degree programs leading to advanced degrees.

$1,000 per year, renewable for up to one additional year.

GBU Foundation Grant Awards

All eligible applicants who did not receive a GBU Foundation Scholarship are entered in a random drawing in which a predetermined number of one-time $500 - $750 GBU Foundation grants are given.

Scholarships Offered to GBU District Members

Fritz Bertz Scholarship (District 510 — Toledo, OH).

District 146 — Johnstown, PA, Scholarship.

District 291 — Summerhill-Lilly, PA, Scholarship.

District 1000 — LFA Scholarship.

District 2000 — ULS Scholarship.

District 3000 — HRFA Scholarship.

District 4000 — Sokol USA Milan Getting Scholarship.

District 5000 — Independent Order of Vikings (IOV) Grand Lodge Scholarship.

GBU District 5000 — IOV Grand Lodge Scholarship

For eligible District 5000 — IOV high school senior members who have received confirmation of acceptance from an institute of higher learning. Must hold either a Junior or Senior membership in the IOV for at least six months prior to the date of application.

$1,750 non-renewable scholarship Apply November 1, 2024 — March 1, 2025

High School Freshman Grants

The GBU High School Freshman Grant Program is designed to assist eighth - grade GBU members with associated costs in their transition into the high school curriculum. High School freshman grants of $250 are to be used for expenses necessary for the student’s educational needs. For more information, please contact the Community Engagement Team at memberbenefits@gbu.org or 800-765-4428

Notes from the Home Office

UPCOMING HOLIDAYS

The GBU Home Office will be closed on Thursday, November 28 and Friday, November 29, 2024, for the Thanksgiving holiday. In addition, the GBU Home Office will be closed on December 25, 2024, for the Christmas holiday and January 1, 2025, for New Year’s Day.

SUMMER 2024 CELEBRATE SUMMER WORD SEARCH WINNER

GBU wishes to recognize the most recent fraternal puzzle contest winner:

Lucky $25 Tango Gift Card Winner Kroy T.

Please remember, to be eligible for a fraternal prize and recognition in the fraternal puzzle drawings, the participant must be a GBU member who is between 10 and 14 years old.

For privacy reasons, only the first name with last initial and the city and state the participant is from will be listed.

SUMMER 2024 CELEBRATE SUMMER WORD SEARCH ANSWERS

CHARITABLE DONATIONS

THROUGH AUGUST 31, 2024

GBU FOUNDATION DONATIONS

Anonymous

MaryEllen Baron

Katrina E. Beckman

Rachel Beckman

Fritz Bertz

Mary A. Blistan

Louise Brindle

Thomas A. Christian

Emily G. Day

Samantha J. Denne

Elana DiPietro

Kenneth Elliott and Brian Burns

Kimberly Feldman

Michael A. Fulmer

GBU District 146 — Johnstown, PA

GBU District 298 — Allentown, PA

GBU District 536 — Lafayette, IN

GBU District 815 — Dayton, OH in memory of Mrs. Paula Boehm

GBU District 2000 — ULS

GBU Life

Kevin C. Hite

Deborah Javor

Brennen Kirchner

April Maher

Rev. Leslie E. Martin

Dolores D. Mazurek

Tara McIntyre

Carla Saracco

Destinee Skaggs

Dale Sterner

Leah Teahl

Sandra M. Wagner

UK Online Giving Foundation

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Fall-24

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Help Us Improve!

As we seek to ensure that we are constantly improving our products, services and customer experience, your feedback is crucial.

Tell us how you think we’re doing, and you’ll receive a $10 Tango gift card! Follow the steps below to receive your gift card.

*Tango partners with hundreds of participating retailers and brands like Nike, Target, Amazon and more.

HOW TO RECEIVE YOUR GIFT CARD

Write a Google review for GBU Financial Life. 1. Email memberbenefits@gbu.org by 2. Friday, November 29, 2024, with screenshot of your review.