PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 16, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independence Blue Cross president and CEO Daniel J. Hilferty today received the Drum Major Award for Corporate Cooperation from the Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence, Inc., at its 30th Annual Awards and Benefit luncheon. The Drum Major Award recognizes persons or organizations whose deeds exemplify the principles of nonviolence fostered by Dr. King throughout his life.
Hilferty was honored for his leadership work at Independence Blue Cross and AmeriHealth Mercy Family of Companies, where he previously served as president and CEO, helping millions of people access quality, affordable health care. The award also recognized Hilferty's many years of involvement in community and civic affairs, including his service on the boards of the American Red Cross Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition, and the Irish Educational Development Foundation.
"I am honored to receive this prestigious award and to be recognized this year among such distinguished individuals whose contributions have significantly helped make our community a more tolerant, compassionate place to live," said Hilferty. "We're very fortunate that the principals of social justice that Dr. King dedicated his life to continue to thrive and inspire others to follow in his footsteps."
This year, these individuals were also recognized with Drum Major awards:
- Malaak Shabazz, (daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz), Global Rights:
- Ilyasah Shabazz, (daughter of Malcolm X and Betty Shabazz), International, National and Youth Development;
- Sheryl Lee Ralph, actress, HIV/AIDS activist, International and National Humanitarianism
- Judge Renee Caldwell Hughes, CEO, American Red Cross of Southeastern PA, Civic Responsibility:
- Rosalee Smith, civil rights activist, Equal Rights, Equal Justice and Equal Opportunity.
The Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence is the first and only affiliate of the King Center in Atlanta commissioned by Coretta Scott King to promote and perpetuate the nonviolence legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Past winners of the association's Drum Major Awards include: Rosa Parks, Cicely Tyson, actress, U.S. Senator; Ambassador Andrew Young, and Bishop Desmond Tutu
Members of Independence Blue Cross's corporate volunteer program, the Blue Crew, are participating in the following two events today as part of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service which celebrates Dr. King by transforming the federal holiday into a day of active citizenship:
- Girard College: IBC volunteers will participate in a number of projects, including packing meals for a hunger relief organization, sorting books for military families serving overseas, and working on an MLK-inspired community art piece.
- Valley Forge National Historic Park in King of Prussia: IBC volunteers will help with a variety of maintenance, environmental, and painting projects.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is a leading health insurer in southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, Independence Blue Cross and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.1 million people. For 73 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered high-quality health care coverage tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, and health care professionals. Independence Blue Cross's HMO and PPO health care plans have consistently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit us at ibx.com. Fan us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @ibx.
The Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence Inc
The Philadelphia Martin Luther King, Jr. Association for Nonviolence, Inc. is the sole affiliate commissioned by Mrs. Coretta Scott King to promote and perpetuate the nonviolent legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The organization is committed to addressing pertinent social issues to reduce tension and violence in the Delaware Valley Community. Its program efforts are focused on the development of Kingian principles through yearlong academic and youth development programs. Philadelphia MLK, JR. Association