At Bankers Life, we take pride in supporting causes that are important to our customers and their communities. Through our Golden Beacon program, we honor individuals ages 50 and older who are making a meaningful impact in their hometowns through volunteerism.
We’re proud to recognize these individuals for their dedication and invaluable contributions. For each honoree, the local Bankers Life branch has made a $500 donation to the charitable cause of his or her choice.
Bill serves Concord Regional VNA as a hospice and bereavement volunteer with his dog, Lola, as part of the agency’s K-9 Comfort Program. He also leads mindfulness education groups for fellow residents at Havenwood-Heritage Heights and helps the staff plan meditation retreats.
“While Lola is often the center of attention, it is Bill’s gentle hospitality and quiet compassion that provide the foundation for many meaningful experiences for patients and staff,” said Lisa Challender, Volunteer Coordinator for Concord Regional VNA.
Every year for the past three years, Linda has provided more than 100 rides for iTN SunCoast, a nonprofit organization that provides transportation for older adults and any adult with a vision impairment. She also recruits volunteers, raises funds, created a Car Karaoke campaign and is the secretary of the Board of Directors.
“Linda loves people and values the individuals she has met through iTN,” said Arthur Lerman, Executive Director of iTN SunCoast. “She gets joy from the conversations she has with riders and a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction from the acknowledgement and expressions of gratitude she often receives.”
Rita volunteers regularly at the Bridgeport Rescue Mission’s donation center and serves dinner at its main campus every Thursday night to people who might otherwise go hungry. She also volunteers at the Bridgeport Hospital gift shop and the Baldwin Senior Center, assisting with special events for the senior services community.
“Rita has always been happy to help the community,” said Courtney Pandolfi, Volunteer Coordinator, Bridgeport Rescue Mission. “No one is more deserving of this award, and I am overjoyed that she will be recognized by the community she loves so much.”
Through RSVP, one of the largest volunteer networks in the nation for people 55 and older, Jake delivers 60 meals to 30 homebound seniors each week for Meals on Wheels. Jake has delivered meals for more than 20 years, making him one of Meals on Wheels’ longest serving volunteers. He also provides needed transportation to seniors with Volunteers 4 Seniors at Senior Services of Southwest Michigan in Kalamazoo.
“Jake understands the value of his work helping other older adults to maintain their dignity and independence at home,” said Kathy Cox, Coordinator for Volunteers 4 Seniors. “His commitment to patients and his greater community are worthy of recognition. He has clearly impacted the lives of others, and we are proud that he is a member of our volunteer team.”
Mark is actively involved in the King of Prussia Rotary Club, Pillars of Light and Love and Boy Scouts of America Troop 551. He also contributes through the charity work of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and as an announcer for the annual Conshohocken St. Patrick’s Day parade for the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Swedesburg branch.
“Mark is the epitome of a community servant,” said Pam Forster, resident and retired Chief of Lafayette Ambulance. “Upper Merion residents are fortunate that Mark and his wife, Brenda, have embedded themselves in this community.”