VIRGINIA BEACH, Va., September 28, 2010 – Marie Clay of Virginia Beach, Va., is this year’s honored recipient of the GEICO Volunteer Service Award. Clay recently attended special ceremonies at GEICO’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., to recognize the contributions she has made to the Virginia Beach community.
Clay, a service representative who started her career at GEICO in 1999, has spent the past 14 years raising awareness about Huntington’s disease, a neurodegenerative genetic disorder. She helps to educate the general public about the symptoms of the disease, which are similar to multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
“The most rewarding thing about volunteering for Huntington’s disease is that I have brought so much attention to the forefront about this little known disease. I have also been able to share the experience of volunteering with my grandchildren, showing them what they can do to help others who can’t help themselves,” said Clay. “Because Huntington’s disease does not get much attention, I feel that it is my responsibility to give back to the community.”
Clay is also an advocate on Capitol Hill, encouraging Congress to pass House Bill H.R. 678 in support of the Huntington’s disease Parity Act, which would extend Social Security benefits.
GEICO’s Joe Thomas, regional vice president of Virginia Beach, said, “Marie was chosen because she epitomizes the spirit of volunteer service. GEICO rewards its associates who make a difference by contributing to the organizations for which they volunteer. We have donated $1,000 to the Huntington Disease Society of America in her honor.” The GEICO Volunteer Service Award is presented annually to recognize the many contributions GEICO associate volunteers make.
GEICO (Government Employees Insurance Company) is a member of the Berkshire Hathaway family of companies and is the third-largest private passenger auto insurance company in the United States. GEICO provides millions of auto insurance quotes to U.S. drivers annually. The company is pleased to serve more than 11 million private passenger customers and insures more than 18 million vehicles (auto & cycle).
GEICO's online service center helps policyholders take care of policy sales, policy changes, claims reporting and to print insurance ID cards.
GEICO also provides insurance quotes on motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), travel trailers and motorhomes (RVs). Coverage for boats, life, homes and apartments is written by non-affiliated insurance companies and is secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency, Commercial auto insurance and personal umbrella protection are also available.
For more information, go to www.geico.com.
