Vincent N. Mariniello Award of Unconditional Love recognizes support and service
Philadelphia, PA – Independence Blue Cross (IBC) and its Blue Crew Corporate Volunteer Program were honored by Variety – The Children’s Charity at the Children’s Champion Gala on June 20 for IBC’s support and contribution to improving the lives of thousands of children with disabilities and their families in the Delaware Valley. The Vincent N. Mariniello Award of Unconditional Love was accepted by Sheila Hess, manager of IBC Foundation programs, as well as the founder of and a current board member of the IBC Blue Crew, and a Variety board member, on behalf of IBC.
“The more than 2,600 of our associates and their family members who serve on the Blue Crew, strengthen our company’s role as a leader in the community through service projects that contribute to the well-being of the people in our region,” said Chris Cashman, IBC’s executive vice president and president of commercial markets as well as executive sponsor of the Blue Crew. “We’re pleased to support Variety and proud of our associate volunteers who make such a meaningful impact in the lives of children with disabilities and their families.”
IBC’s Blue Crew Corporate Volunteer Program is the company’s comprehensive community service and outreach program for associates. In 2012, 2,629 Blue Crew volunteers donated 8,134 hours of community service by supporting 163 projects. The Blue Crew has volunteered at the Variety at Play events, including Birthday Bash at the Blue Cross RiverRink, Holiday Party, Autism Walk, Autism Awareness Night Out at the Please Touch Museum, Variety Days at Sesame Place, Old Newsboys Day, and Red Carpet Talent Show.
“We are extremely proud to have the opportunity to honor Independence Blue Cross and the Blue Crew Corporate Volunteer Program with the Vincent N. Mariniello Award of Unconditional Love,” said Fran Naselli, Variety – The Children’s Charity’s board president. “Without their continuous support, much of what we do at Variety would not be possible.”
About Variety – The Children’s Charity: Variety builds independence and self-confidence in children and youth with disabilities by engaging them in recreational, social and educational enrichment activities, while connecting families to resources. Since 1935, Variety – The Children’s Charity of Greater Philadelphia has been serving children with physical and developmental disabilities. Tent 13 (the Philadelphia chapter) is part of an international charity that helps children with special needs around the world.