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Rock Island, Ill. (Sept. 12, 2022) – Royal Neighbors of America, a fraternal benefit society located in Rock Island, Ill. has presented Candace Riddick, owner of Truly Treasure, LLC. in St. Pauls, NC, with a Nation of Neighbors℠ empowerment award and $10,000 grant.

Ms. Riddick is a mother of six and an innovative entrepreneur with several businesses under the Truly Treasure, LLC umbrella. Recently, Candace moved Truly Treasure from New Jersey to Robeson County, North Carolina. The company frequently hosts pop-up events to provide a platform for community members to grow their small businesses.

Candace is one of ten women who received a 2022 Royal Neighbors Nation of Neighbors℠ empowerment award and grant. With the grant, Candace plans to begin a nonprofit organization to expand educational and networking opportunities, offer financial assistance to women entrepreneurs, and host free community events.

Nancy McCoy, an independent life insurance agent appointed with Royal Neighbors, nominated Candace for the empowerment award and grant. “All of Ms. Riddick’s events and programs are centered around empowering women and young females, to pave their own lane to success, and build their own tables for girls and women like themselves to gather and flourish. I have been inspired by Candace Riddick’s proactiveness to identify a gap in the community and respond to that need.”

Darcy Smith, Senior Member Engagement Specialist at Royal Neighbors of America presented the award and grant in a virtual presentation on Saturday, September 10 where she stated, “Truly Treasure is creating an amazing ripple effect by empowering women and young females to build their futures and communities.”

“This grant will allow us to cast a broader net in the community and host more events,” said Candace. “With the grant from Royal Neighbors, we will be able to focus more on our young leaders, by boosting their self-esteem through mentoring and education with the goal of opening a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) summer camp for young girls next year.”

To date, Royal Neighbors has awarded more than $2.5 million in Nation of Neighbors grants nationwide.

Royal Neighbors of America is a unique provider of life insurance and annuities whose mission is to protect women financially and empower them to improve their lives, families, and communities. Royal Neighbors was founded in 1895 as a membership organization by nine pioneering women who recognized the need to insure the lives of women and children. In 2020, Royal Neighbors was upgraded to “A Excellent” (3rd highest out of 13) by the AM Best Company for overall financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to certificate holders. The rating was affirmed as of November 30, 2021. Royal Neighbors is a five-time Great Place to Work-Certified™ organization. For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, go to royalneighbors.org.