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RMH gets $5K from insurance services

Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance have awarded Howard Hanna Insurance Services a 2023 Make More Happen Award for its volunteerism with Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Pittsburgh and Morgantown.

This nonprofit organization is dedicated to providing families with a home-away-from-home for seriously ill children receiving medical treatment, and helping children and their families lead happier, healthier and more productive lives.

The award includes an initial donation of $5,000 for RMHC, which can be doubled to $10,000 just by having community supporters vote online.

The Howard Hanna Insurance Services and RMHC of Pittsburgh and Morgantown Agent Giving story will be highlighted on the official Make More Happen microsite at agentgiving.com/howardhanna-rmhc where supporters can vote to help the team reach its donation goal. If the featured story receives a mix of at least 500 votes and comments, the $5,000 donation will be raised to $10,000.

Part of the commitment to never turn away a family, the $10,000 awarded funds would support RMHC’s Jacob Johnson Family Lodging Fund, which provides families most in need with comfort and rest for 375 nights. Additionally, the donation will be used to assist families through maintaining a stocked kitchen pantry and providing well-functioning laundry facilities, free of charge.

“We find this charity to be special in so many ways but most of all because of the peace of mind it brings to families and the bonds formed throughout time spent at the house,” said Danielle Shearer, vice president for Howard Hanna Insurance Services. “We are grateful to Liberty Mutual and Safeco for providing much-needed funds to continue their impactful work and thrilled at the opportunity to double the donation just by calling on the community to show their support.”

As an active advocacy partner for the past five years and a four-time Make More Happen Award winner, Howard Hanna Insurance Services has donated hot meals, toys, toiletries and items for RMHC’s pantry, while finding additional creative ways to support other needs. Last year, the agency worked to “Give 2022 a Fresh Start” by purchasing, gathering and donating over $500 in “Spick n’ Span apartment bags.” Each bag donated was placed in apartments between stays to ensure guests were equipped with basic items to keep their spaces clean and safe.

Paired with raising funds and awareness, the agents also plan meaningful and fun activities for the families staying in the houses to enjoy. Recently hosting a “bake and decorate” night, the insurance team brought nine dozen cookies to the Ronald McDonald House in Pittsburgh for families to decorate and make lasting memories together. The agency also continues to support these very families and children through their own charity, The Howard Hanna Children’s Free Care Fund.

“Howard Hanna Insurance Services is a shining example of our independent agents’ endless dedication to their nonprofit partners through their volunteering, fundraising and overall awareness efforts,” said Jennifer Vickers-Bodnar, Safeco Insurance Western Pennsylvania senior territory manager. “The Make More Happen Awards allow our agents to spread the word about their good deeds and we hope it inspires other in Pittsburgh and Morgantown to get involved.”

Throughout 2023, Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance will select up to 37 independent agents nationwide for a Make More Happen Award donating up to $370,000 to the nonprofits they support. Agencies became eligible for the award by submitting an application and photos demonstrating their commitment to a specific nonprofit.