Blue Crew volunteers at United Way’s United2Feed event benefiting Share Food Program.
The Main Line Chamber of Commerce chose Independence Blue Cross (Independence) as a winner of one of its Main Line Gives Back Awards. Independence Blue Cross Vice President of Community Affairs Lorina Marshall-Blake accepted the award on behalf of the company at the Chamber’s Summit on Business Leadership and Corporate Volunteerism breakfast on December 13. The Dubin Group and Closets by Design also received Main Line Gives Back Awards at the event.
Lorina Marshall-Blake, center, with Pedro Ramos, president and CEO, The Philadelphia Foundation (left) and Bernard Dagenais, president and CEO, The Main Line Chamber of Commerce.
The Chamber recognized Independence for its commitment to community service through the Blue Crew, which has supported a wide range of volunteer projects at nearly 100 nonprofit organizations throughout the region since 2001. In 2017, volunteerism at Independence reached record levels of participation, a testament to Independence’s strong culture and commitment to serve and inspire. Blue Crew volunteers supported 97 nonprofit organizations at 303 projects throughout the year. More than 1,300 volunteers gave 11,400 hours of their time and talent to make a difference in the communities where they live and work.
In addition to volunteer efforts, Independence associates give back to the community through collections and fundraising drives. In 2017, nearly 80 percent of Independence associates participated in the United Way campaign, donating more than $825,000, one of the largest employer contributions in the region. Along with Independence’s corporate match, the total contribution exceeded $2 million.
Independence also encourages active and healthy lifestyles through the financial and volunteer support of a dozen of nonprofit organizations, community events and programs throughout the region annually. These include the Main Line Bike Race, the Blue Cross® Broad Street Run, National Walk at Lunch Day, the Blue Cross® RiverRink, the Indego bike share program, and many other initiatives.