Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual Insurance
PLM Presents Check for $44K to Philadelphia Fire Dept. Foundation at ISOP Gala
The 2018 Insurance Society of Philadelphia Independence Gala was something special to behold for the PLM community. Not only did our President and CEO John Smith receive the coveted ISOP Distinguished Leadership Award, but PLM proudly presented a check to the Philadelphia Fire Department Foundation for more than $44,820 to help the foundation promote fire safety and distribute smoke detectors to Philadelphia communities in need. We are grateful to our business partners and insureds for contributing to this worthy cause.
The event, held at the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia on November 14, drew 730 guests from the local insurance industry and beyond. The event is designed to celebrate the insurance industry and provide an opportunity to give back to the community and the profession. Each year, ISOP works with the Philadelphia Fire Department Foundation to raise funds toward fire prevention at its gala through a text-to-pledge campaign. Since 2012, ISOP has raised more than $250,000 to provide and install lithium-powered smoke detectors.
Thanks to the generosity of our insureds and agent and broker partners, as well as others in our communities, we were able to collect these funds ahead of the gala. We presented a large check to Cherise Corley, president of the Philadelphia Fire Department Foundation, which significantly boosted the evening’s text-to-pledge campaign fundraising. PLM also presented the foundation with 300 smoke detectors, a donation from LMC, one of our association partners, which were displayed on the stage. In all, the text-to-pledge campaign raised $75,000 for the cause. Additionally, the proceeds from this year’s gala will provide $100,000 in scholarship funds to aspiring insurance students next year.
Another highlight of the evening was the warm applause given to John Smith as he took the stage to receive the Distinguished Leadership Award. The award is given annually to a Philadelphia-area insurance executive who has demonstrated superior leadership and a dedication to furthering the insurance industry, as well as his or her community. Many PLM board members and employees were in attendance to join in the celebration, as well as members of the Smith family.
Thank you again to our donors and sponsors and to everyone who helped us to make this evening and charitable endeavor a success.