Jefferson Awards for Public Service presented to Highmark employees for outstanding volunteerism efforts

PITTSBURGH (April 27, 2010) - Highmark Inc. today honored 12 employees with a Jefferson Award for Public Service in recognition of their outstanding commitment to the community through volunteerism.

"The Jefferson Awards are given to those who go above and beyond to serve their communities," said Evan Frazier, Highmark's senior vice president of community affairs. "While all of Highmark's employees generously give their time and energy to support our philanthropic mission of building stronger and healthier communities, we are proud to recognize these 12 individuals for their exceptional volunteerism efforts"

Founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Sen. Robert Taft Jr. and Sam Beard, the Jefferson Awards are presented on a national and local level as a "Nobel Prize" for public service. Past national winners include Barbara Bush, Peyton Manning and Oprah Winfrey.

Highmark is one of only five companies, and the only health insurance company, in Pennsylvania with the privilege to recognize its employees with this prestigious award. This is the fourth consecutive year that the company has honored its employee volunteers in this way.

Bill Goslin of Latham, N.Y. was selected as the overall winner for Highmark and will represent the company at a national Jefferson Awards recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. this June.

As a volunteer firefighter for the Eagle Matt Lee Fire Company for the past 33 years, Bill has gained valuable life skills that have helped him assist in humanitarian efforts in his local community and beyond. During the past four years, Bill has used his own funds and vacation time to make five trips to New Orleans in an effort to help rebuild parts of the city that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Through the Hands on New Orleans project, Bill uses his knowledge and experience to help restore homes and community assets. He also provided special tools used by firefighters to help volunteers get the job done safely and efficiently. Last year, Highmark and Davis Vision joined Bill in New Orleans to provide vision and dental screenings and playground equipment for a charter school.

Closer to home, Bill volunteers at the Pyramid Life Center, a local church camp at Pyramid Lake in the Adirondacks for families who would not otherwise be able to afford to take a family vacation. Bill has played the role of "handyman" at the facility, installing new plumbing and completing construction projects as needed. In his Burnt Hills community, he helps out as an assistant coach for his son's baseball and football teams and joins his family as an active volunteer for his church, Our Lady of Grace.

Highmark's additional 2010 winners are:

Coriann Viner-Blake of San Antonio volunteers alongside her parents and son as a clown for charitable fundraising events to support organizations such as the Children's Miracle Network and Muscular Dystrophy Association. She also sponsors jazz musicians, bringing local and top name talent to San Antonio to perform for underprivileged youth. Coriann is currently working toward establishing a foundation that will provide opportunities for young people in the region to experience performing arts. She regularly visits local nursing homes to adjust and clean residents' eyeglasses, collects electronics from family and friends to be donated to Goodwill Industries and saves pennies to support children in Africa. In addition, she donates food, clothing, toys and books to local fire companies, police departments and libraries.

Kelly Bumbaugh of Camp Hill, Pa. has been a volunteer for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital for the past 10 years, helping to organize fundraising events and provide support to community programming such as an annual radio-thon and walk. Kelly also uses her talents, time and energy to prepare federal, state and local income taxes for low-income and elderly individuals who cannot afford to hire a tax consultant. This past year, Kelly helped to coordinate a volunteer event at the Ronald McDonald House where she joined fellow Highmark employees in cooking, cleaning and maintenance efforts. Kelly was also recognized with a Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2007.

Hector Gonzalez of Miami has been going above and beyond to help homeless individuals in his community for more than eight years. Three nights a week, Hector gives his personal time and money to purchase food which he delivers to the homeless located throughout Miami. He has built positive relationships with the individuals he helps and has made it a part of his mission to know each of their unique stories. Hector has become and inspiration for those who know him, including his son who has followed by example and works to feed and visit the homeless in his New York community.

Esmeralda Hetrick of Camp Hill, Pa. has been influential among the Harrisburg Hispanic Community by helping create opportunities for children to develop leadership skills. President of Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania, Esmeralda coordinates volunteer activities, assists with education functions and provides scholarships to underprivileged youth. During the holidays, she spearheads a "community helping community" effort by organizing a "Christmas fiesta" that feeds and provides gifts to more than 1,000 children. In addition, Esmeralda volunteers with the YWCA to develop programs that help to better the lives of women and children in Harrisburg. She was also recognized for her efforts with a Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2007 and 2009.

Valerie Corbin Ketchen of Camp Hill, Pa. is an active member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, helping to grow the organization through alumni outreach and networking events, recruiting prospective students and hosting events for freshmen and their families. Valerie is also a member of Pitt's African American Alumni Council, working to build and promote positive relationships between the university and African American alumni. She also serves as board president of the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg and mentors women through Women in Pennsylvania Government Relations. And, as a member of the United Way of the Capital Region's Public Policy Committee, Valerie provides legislative and political insight to help the organization maintain its mission.

Megan Livingston of Johnstown, Pa. is actively involved with the YWCA of Greater Johnstown, serving as the chair of the Tribute to Women Awards and working as a mentor for girls ages 12 to 19. Megan also helped create the Cinderella Project, which has provided prom dresses, shoes and accessories to more than 350 young women in the region. Megan is a board member of the Young Professionals of the Alleghenies and has helped members of the organization complete more than 800 hours of community service. In addition, Megan is a youth group leader through the Westmont Presbyterian Church, where she is also a part of the Christian Education Committee. She teaches vacation Bible school, makes pocket squares for the troops and delivers food to the elderly and less fortunate.

Sarah Myers of Latham, N.Y. founded the Cinderella Project of the Capital Region in 2004 with her sister to promote self-esteem and confidence for underprivileged young women by providing new and gently used formal dresses, gowns and accessories for them to wear to high school formal occasions such as prom. She continues to help young women develop positive attitudes as a youth cheerleading coach. Sarah also gives her time at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, helping to coordinate food drives and collect donations to benefit the hungry. In addition, Sarah volunteers at fundraising events for the Animal Protective Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, Make-A-Wish Foundation, March of Dimes and Church World Services.

Georgianna Sue Neufer of Camp Hill, Pa. is a volunteer with the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, helping to mold young girls into strong, independent and self-confident women and encouraging them to participate in activities such as planting trees and cleaning up vandalized neighborhoods. In addition, Georgianna gives her time to the Middle Paxton Lions Club, Caitlin's Smiles, an organization that provides craft kits for children who are in the hospital, Boy Scout Troop 223, Polk Assisted Living, Feed My Sheep food bank and Furry Friends. Georgianna is a foster parent through Kids Peace and is currently working to help a young man who lost his home and belongings to a fire rebuild his life. This is the third consecutive year Georgianna has been recognized with a Jefferson Award for Public Service.

Patti Reidenbach of Camp Hill, Pa. has served as a Family Readiness Group leader and communications chair for the 56th Stryker Brigade, while her husband was deployed in Iraq with the unit. In this role, Patti has been responsible for providing frequent communications to families with information and resources to help during their soldiers' deployment and for giving notification as to when their solider was returning home. Patti also coordinated a Hersheypark family day for all of the families in 56th Stryker Brigade to spend time together. Patti also volunteers with the Mechanicsburg Color Guard. This is Patti's second Jefferson Award for Public Service with her first coming in 2009.

Rachel Slade of Camp Hill, Pa. is dedicated to providing youth in her community with opportunities for leadership growth and development. She is an active board member for the Steelton Highspire School District. As vice president of the board she has helped to enhance bullying prevention policies, implement uniform-like dress code and encourage students to apply for at least three colleges and universities to attend following high school. As a volunteer for Steelton Midget Football, Rachel coordinates registration processes, equipment needs, fundraising opportunities and concession stand operations for the organization. She is also a team parent who assists in fundraising efforts for the Steelton Highspire cheerleaders and helps to coach and keep statistics for the Steelton Highspire Lady Rollers Basketball team, which made school history by winning its first district title this year

Ted Thomas of Camp Hill, Pa. has been an active volunteer with Susquehanna Service Dogs for the past 10 years, assisting with the raising, training and placement of service dogs with disabled individuals. Through Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, he teaches a free dog obedience class for the community and volunteers as a youth group leader and band participant. In addition, he supports church-related volunteer work at service organizations such as Bethesda Mission, Mission Central and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Ted also volunteers with UM A.R.M.Y., an organization that encourages high school students to help the elderly, disabled or disadvantaged from underprivileged areas with cleaning and maintenance projects.

To learn more about these employees and their volunteer work, visit the "Employee Volunteers" section of www.highmark.com.

About Highmark Inc.
As one of the leading health insurers in Pennsylvania, Highmark Inc.'s mission is to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Based in Pittsburgh, Highmark serves 4.7 million people through the company's health care benefits business. Highmark contributes millions of dollars to help keep quality health care programs affordable and to support community-based programs that work to improve people's health. Highmark exerts an enormous economic impact throughout Pennsylvania. A recent study states that Highmark's positive impact exceeded $2.5 billion. The company provides the resources to give its members a greater hand in their health. Highmark Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

Jefferson Awards for Public Service presented to Highmark employees for outstanding volunteerism efforts

2010 Jefferson Award recipients Bill Goslin and Sarah Myers, both of Davis Vision, are honored at the awards breakfast at Highmark's Pittsburgh headquarters.

Front Row (L-R): Lorraine Losanno, Senior Director, Customer Service, Davis Vision; honoree Sarah Myers, Reception Coordinator, Davis Vision; honoree Bill Goslin, Director of Network Services, Davis Vision; Laura Dyer, Assistant Vice President, Community Relations, Davis Vision

Back Row (L-R): Kathy Deguire, Human Resources Manager, Davis Vision; Jody Anderson, VP Information Technology, HVHC

To see the e-mail blast, click here.

Noticias y Integración de la comunidad Tamaño del texto:
Contáctenos Haga clic aquí para comunicarse con Davis Vision.	Back to News Jefferson Awards for Public Service presented to Highmark employees for outstanding volunteerism efforts PITTSBURGH (April 27, 2010) - Highmark Inc. today honored 12 employees with a Jefferson Award for Public Service in recognition of their outstanding commitment to the community through volunteerism. "The Jefferson Awards are given to those who go above and beyond to serve their communities," said Evan Frazier, Highmark's senior vice president of community affairs. "While all of Highmark's employees generously give their time and energy to support our philanthropic mission of building stronger and healthier communities, we are proud to recognize these 12 individuals for their exceptional volunteerism efforts" Founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Sen. Robert Taft Jr. and Sam Beard, the Jefferson Awards are presented on a national and local level as a "Nobel Prize" for public service. Past national winners include Barbara Bush, Peyton Manning and Oprah Winfrey. Highmark is one of only five companies, and the only health insurance company, in Pennsylvania with the privilege to recognize its employees with this prestigious award. This is the fourth consecutive year that the company has honored its employee volunteers in this way. Bill Goslin of Latham, N.Y. was selected as the overall winner for Highmark and will represent the company at a national Jefferson Awards recognition ceremony in Washington, D.C. this June. As a volunteer firefighter for the Eagle Matt Lee Fire Company for the past 33 years, Bill has gained valuable life skills that have helped him assist in humanitarian efforts in his local community and beyond. During the past four years, Bill has used his own funds and vacation time to make five trips to New Orleans in an effort to help rebuild parts of the city that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Through the Hands on New Orleans project, Bill uses his knowledge and experience to help restore homes and community assets. He also provided special tools used by firefighters to help volunteers get the job done safely and efficiently. Last year, Highmark and Davis Vision joined Bill in New Orleans to provide vision and dental screenings and playground equipment for a charter school. Closer to home, Bill volunteers at the Pyramid Life Center, a local church camp at Pyramid Lake in the Adirondacks for families who would not otherwise be able to afford to take a family vacation. Bill has played the role of "handyman" at the facility, installing new plumbing and completing construction projects as needed. In his Burnt Hills community, he helps out as an assistant coach for his son's baseball and football teams and joins his family as an active volunteer for his church, Our Lady of Grace. Highmark's additional 2010 winners are: Coriann Viner-Blake of San Antonio volunteers alongside her parents and son as a clown for charitable fundraising events to support organizations such as the Children's Miracle Network and Muscular Dystrophy Association. She also sponsors jazz musicians, bringing local and top name talent to San Antonio to perform for underprivileged youth. Coriann is currently working toward establishing a foundation that will provide opportunities for young people in the region to experience performing arts. She regularly visits local nursing homes to adjust and clean residents' eyeglasses, collects electronics from family and friends to be donated to Goodwill Industries and saves pennies to support children in Africa. In addition, she donates food, clothing, toys and books to local fire companies, police departments and libraries. Kelly Bumbaugh of Camp Hill, Pa. has been a volunteer for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital for the past 10 years, helping to organize fundraising events and provide support to community programming such as an annual radio-thon and walk. Kelly also uses her talents, time and energy to prepare federal, state and local income taxes for low-income and elderly individuals who cannot afford to hire a tax consultant. This past year, Kelly helped to coordinate a volunteer event at the Ronald McDonald House where she joined fellow Highmark employees in cooking, cleaning and maintenance efforts. Kelly was also recognized with a Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2007. Hector Gonzalez of Miami has been going above and beyond to help homeless individuals in his community for more than eight years. Three nights a week, Hector gives his personal time and money to purchase food which he delivers to the homeless located throughout Miami. He has built positive relationships with the individuals he helps and has made it a part of his mission to know each of their unique stories. Hector has become and inspiration for those who know him, including his son who has followed by example and works to feed and visit the homeless in his New York community. Esmeralda Hetrick of Camp Hill, Pa. has been influential among the Harrisburg Hispanic Community by helping create opportunities for children to develop leadership skills. President of Estamos Unidos de Pennsylvania, Esmeralda coordinates volunteer activities, assists with education functions and provides scholarships to underprivileged youth. During the holidays, she spearheads a "community helping community" effort by organizing a "Christmas fiesta" that feeds and provides gifts to more than 1,000 children. In addition, Esmeralda volunteers with the YWCA to develop programs that help to better the lives of women and children in Harrisburg. She was also recognized for her efforts with a Jefferson Award for Public Service in 2007 and 2009. Valerie Corbin Ketchen of Camp Hill, Pa. is an active member of the University of Pittsburgh Alumni Association, helping to grow the organization through alumni outreach and networking events, recruiting prospective students and hosting events for freshmen and their families. Valerie is also a member of Pitt's African American Alumni Council, working to build and promote positive relationships between the university and African American alumni. She also serves as board president of the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg and mentors women through Women in Pennsylvania Government Relations. And, as a member of the United Way of the Capital Region's Public Policy Committee, Valerie provides legislative and political insight to help the organization maintain its mission. Megan Livingston of Johnstown, Pa. is actively involved with the YWCA of Greater Johnstown, serving as the chair of the Tribute to Women Awards and working as a mentor for girls ages 12 to 19. Megan also helped create the Cinderella Project, which has provided prom dresses, shoes and accessories to more than 350 young women in the region. Megan is a board member of the Young Professionals of the Alleghenies and has helped members of the organization complete more than 800 hours of community service. In addition, Megan is a youth group leader through the Westmont Presbyterian Church, where she is also a part of the Christian Education Committee. She teaches vacation Bible school, makes pocket squares for the troops and delivers food to the elderly and less fortunate. Sarah Myers of Latham, N.Y. founded the Cinderella Project of the Capital Region in 2004 with her sister to promote self-esteem and confidence for underprivileged young women by providing new and gently used formal dresses, gowns and accessories for them to wear to high school formal occasions such as prom. She continues to help young women develop positive attitudes as a youth cheerleading coach. Sarah also gives her time at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, helping to coordinate food drives and collect donations to benefit the hungry. In addition, Sarah volunteers at fundraising events for the Animal Protective Foundation, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region, Make-A-Wish Foundation, March of Dimes and Church World Services. Georgianna Sue Neufer of Camp Hill, Pa. is a volunteer with the Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, helping to mold young girls into strong, independent and self-confident women and encouraging them to participate in activities such as planting trees and cleaning up vandalized neighborhoods. In addition, Georgianna gives her time to the Middle Paxton Lions Club, Caitlin's Smiles, an organization that provides craft kits for children who are in the hospital, Boy Scout Troop 223, Polk Assisted Living, Feed My Sheep food bank and Furry Friends. Georgianna is a foster parent through Kids Peace and is currently working to help a young man who lost his home and belongings to a fire rebuild his life. This is the third consecutive year Georgianna has been recognized with a Jefferson Award for Public Service. Patti Reidenbach of Camp Hill, Pa. has served as a Family Readiness Group leader and communications chair for the 56th Stryker Brigade, while her husband was deployed in Iraq with the unit. In this role, Patti has been responsible for providing frequent communications to families with information and resources to help during their soldiers' deployment and for giving notification as to when their solider was returning home. Patti also coordinated a Hersheypark family day for all of the families in 56th Stryker Brigade to spend time together. Patti also volunteers with the Mechanicsburg Color Guard. This is Patti's second Jefferson Award for Public Service with her first coming in 2009. Rachel Slade of Camp Hill, Pa. is dedicated to providing youth in her community with opportunities for leadership growth and development. She is an active board member for the Steelton Highspire School District. As vice president of the board she has helped to enhance bullying prevention policies, implement uniform-like dress code and encourage students to apply for at least three colleges and universities to attend following high school. As a volunteer for Steelton Midget Football, Rachel coordinates registration processes, equipment needs, fundraising opportunities and concession stand operations for the organization. She is also a team parent who assists in fundraising efforts for the Steelton Highspire cheerleaders and helps to coach and keep statistics for the Steelton Highspire Lady Rollers Basketball team, which made school history by winning its first district title this year Ted Thomas of Camp Hill, Pa. has been an active volunteer with Susquehanna Service Dogs for the past 10 years, assisting with the raising, training and placement of service dogs with disabled individuals. Through Shiremanstown United Methodist Church, he teaches a free dog obedience class for the community and volunteers as a youth group leader and band participant. In addition, he supports church-related volunteer work at service organizations such as Bethesda Mission, Mission Central and the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. Ted also volunteers with UM A.R.M.Y., an organization that encourages high school students to help the elderly, disabled or disadvantaged from underprivileged areas with cleaning and maintenance projects. To learn more about these employees and their volunteer work, visit the "Employee Volunteers" section of www.highmark.com. About Highmark Inc. As one of the leading health insurers in Pennsylvania, Highmark Inc.'s mission is to provide access to affordable, quality health care enabling individuals to live longer, healthier lives. Based in Pittsburgh, Highmark serves 4.7 million people through the company's health care benefits business. Highmark contributes millions of dollars to help keep quality health care programs affordable and to support community-based programs that work to improve people's health. Highmark exerts an enormous economic impact throughout Pennsylvania. A recent study states that Highmark's positive impact exceeded $2.5 billion. The company provides the resources to give its members a greater hand in their health. Highmark Inc. is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans. For more information, visit www.highmark.com. 2010 Jefferson Award recipients Bill Goslin and Sarah Myers, both of Davis Vision, are honored at the awards breakfast at Highmark's Pittsburgh headquarters. Front Row (L-R): Lorraine Losanno, Senior Director, Customer Service, Davis Vision; honoree Sarah Myers, Reception Coordinator, Davis Vision; honoree Bill Goslin, Director of Network Services, Davis Vision; Laura Dyer, Assistant Vice President, Community Relations, Davis Vision Back Row (L-R): Kathy Deguire, Human Resources Manager, Davis Vision; Jody Anderson, VP Information Technology, HVHC To see the e-mail blast, click here.

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Jefferson Awards for Public Service presented to Highmark employees for outstanding volunteerism efforts