Rent-to-own News - Employee Fally puts heart into community

Donna Fally is not the kind of person content to leave her job as Rent One's corporate financial manager, head home and spend quiet evenings on the couch.

In fact it is Fally's concern with her Mt. Vernon community -- and her active involvement in its many organizations -- that have earned her APRO's 2011 Employee of the Year Award.

"I usually have a lot to say, but right now I'm speechless," Fally said. "It's a wonderful organization that really gives its employees the opportunity to be out there doing things."

Fally is an active member of her community as a 16-year member of the Rome Community Consolidated School Board where she began when her son was in the fifth grade. Never one to leave a job unfinished, Fally continued on the board helping see through a number of instructional and technological advancements at the small district.

She is also a long-time volunteer with the United Way of South Central Illinois and serves as an officer with the Jefferson County Habitat for Humanity where she is still treasurer seven years and 13 homes later.

She enjoys cooking meals for the Habitat crews when a home is being built.
Fally served on the organizing committee that is bringing a homeless shelter to Mt. Vernon. It is one of her proudest accomplishments.

"People are finally beginning to realize that people are facing tough times all over," Fally said. "There is no reason for a family to be living in a car. This shelter will provide them with the dignity and security of a roof over their heads and something to eat so that they can take advantage of some of the other tools we will offer them to help them get a job."

Fally currently serves as vice president of the school board and served two terms as its president overseeing an extensive school district building renovation projects.

She has volunteered with the United Way since 2002, serving in halfa dozen positions including seven years on the United Way Board of Directors.

"She likes to keep a low profile, but we're going to blow her cover and recognize what a tremendous impact she has on her community," said Rent One owner Larry Carrico. "These are the stories we really want to tell about our industry to encourage others to do more. Donna doesn't just talk the talk, she walks the walk and is usually the first one there to do it. She's also a great cook and nary a person goes hungry at our events. Congratulations Donna."

Fally will be formally recognized at the APRO Convention General Session with a video and an award presentation. She is the first female "Employee of the Year".