Rough Notes presens community service award

Rough Notes, Apr 2003 by Bloss, Bob

When The Rough Notes Company's industry award for volunteerism was conceived three years ago, it's likely that the originators envisioned recognizing an honoree exactly like this year's winner.

Thus, for extraordinary effort and support in behalf of programs that benefit a community and its citizens, we proudly salute the Giroux-Audet-- Rua Insurance Agency of Fall River, Massachusetts, with the prestigious Rough Notes 2003 Community Service Award.

Two of the firm's partners, brothers Jack and Jason Rua, represented their agency at recent ceremonies in Indianapolis. Honorable Mention recipients agent Gary Stewart and the Bates & Hewett Insurance Agency were also highlighted.

Giroux-Audet-Rua, which traces its history to the 1908 establishment of the A.L. Audet Insurance Agency, has operated in its present structure since 1989 when current agency president John S. Rua, father of Jack and Jason, merged his company with Giroux-Audet. Chris Audet, of the founding family's third generation, is a vice president and partner.

As a prominent Fall River civic leader, the agency contributes time, revenue and educational effort to dozens of community programs. Among them is United Way of Greater Fall River, Giroux-Audet-- Rua's designated charity and recipient of the $5,000 check that The Rough Notes Company annually presents in the Community Service Award winner's name. The winner receives a beautiful, sculpted eagle in recognition of contributions to the local community.

Robert L. Horne, executive director of the Fall River United Way, offered high praise to the Rua brothers and their agency for their long-standing service.

"We at the United Way are fortunate to be recipients of the time, talent and treasure of these outstanding community leaders, Jack and Jason Rua, and from the generosity of their dad and the other principals and employees of their agency," Horne shared at the awards presentation.

"I can think of no other organization that is more qualified to receive recognition for their commitment to those in need. With their many volunteer and financial commitments, the Rua brothers make a real, positive difference to our United Way and to the entire Greater Fall River area."

Horne cites Jack Rua's chairmanship of the annual fundraising campaign that in 1998 generated revenue of more than $2 million. Currently Jack is a United Way Board of Directors vice president and a member of the finance and advisory committee. Jason Rua chairs the strategic planning committee and was recently chairman of the executive allocation committee. "My brother raised the monies," smiles Jason, "then I gave them out."

While the United Way receives a large share of the brothers' attention, it is by no means the sole recipient of the Giroux-Audet-Rua agency's philanthropy.

Beyond his United Way responsibilities, Jason Rua has been vice president and treasurer for The Marine Museum in Fall River, a coach in the Somerset Little League and the Somerset/Swansea Youth Soccer League, a member of his local elementary school council, and a recipient of Fall River's Brayton Community Service award in 2002. Professionally, Jason is a member of the Agents Council of the East Providence Branch of Providence Washington Insurance Company and is a guest lecturer to that company's employees on the subject of agency procedures.

Jack Rua began his insurance career in 1986 and has been active with the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as with United Way, ever since. He has chaired several chamber committees, including its membership drive, which attracted 175 new members in 1999. In addition to his success as United Way fund-raising chairman, Jack served as the organization's secretary for many years and is presently vice president and a member of the research and planning committee, the United Way's Lantern Society, and its Campaign Millennium.

Among the several prestigious honors earned by Jack is the Thomas F. Cooney Memorial Award for outstanding volunteerism during that successful 1998 fund-raising campaign. He was cited as Hometown Hero in 1997, and, as was his brother in 2002, Jack was the 1995 John S. Brayton Memorial Outstanding Community Service Recognition Award winner. In his spare time he has served as an officer or board member for many community groups, such as youth football, baseball, and basketball programs; Marine Museum at Fall River; Fall River Lions Club; International Trade Assistance Center; Friends of Heritage

State Park; SouthCoast Development Partnership; and the Chamber Foundation.

One of the organizations receiving United Way funding is the Diabetes Association, Inc. Jack Rua is a past president and current board member. The Diabetes Association is especially close to Jack's heart. And to his family's.

Jack and his wife, Darlene, have two children-John and Jocelyn. John was afflicted with diabetes when he was very young. Fortunately he began treatments immediately, has continued with them over the years, and is an enthusiastic 18-year old engaged in typical scholastic and athletic activities.