Aid Association for Lutherans Branch 7557 of Cape Girardeau has been awarded a Gold Star rating by the fraternal benefit society in recognition of exemplary volunteer service in the community.

To achieve the highest AAL rating, gold or silver stars, branches must annually sponsor at least one fund-raising event or work project, conduct at least nine meetings, sponsor an educational activity and an member-awareness event, and comply with AAL's attendance, voting and reporting requirements.

AAL, headquartered at Appleton, Wis., provides its members with fraternal benefits, and its affiliated companies offer members mutual funds and credit union services. In addition, AAL members are offered opportunities to help others in their own communities.

Cape Girardeau officers are Sandra Bonner, president; Roger Scott, vice president; and Julie Fiehler, treasurer. Branch 7776 is supported by AAL district representative Steven Fritzler of Cape Girardeau.