Washington, D.C., July 8, 2011 – Christine Smith of Chevy Chase, Md. is this year’s honored recipient of the John Thorne GEICO Corporate Community Citizens (GCCC) Volunteer of the Year Award.
Smith, a systems software manager at GEICO’s headquarters, is the GEICO volunteer event chair and co-chair for the 2011 Relay for Life of Freedom Area. Over the past two years, she has spent 30-40 hours per month volunteering for the organization, which supports the American Cancer Society. She helped GEICO’s Relay for Life team raise nearly $15,000 for this year’s event.
"Although we have our own reason to why we participate in the Relay for Life, the sad truth is that most of us have been personally touched by someone with cancer," said Smith. "My full attention is dedicated to the American Cancer Society to help find a cure and create more birthdays."
Tianne Collins, the fundraising co-chair for this year's Relay for Life event, said, "Chris brings her years of experience at GEICO into the non-profit world. She has demonstrated amazing leadership skills as she has helped increase our revenue, secure new volunteers and mentor committee members and team captains for our annual event. We appreciate her enthusiasm and commitment to saving lives."
The John Thorne Award recognizes the spirit of volunteerism that former GEICO associate John Thorne exemplified during his career at the company's Woodbury, N.Y. office. In addition to recognizing Smith, GEICO honored Michael Woodworth of Virginia Beach as this year’s recipient of the GEICO Volunteer Service Award. He was recognized for his volunteering efforts in helping dozens of HIV-positive orphans in Honduras.
The John Thorne GCCC Volunteer of the Year and GEICO Volunteer Service Awards are presented annually to two GEICO volunteer associates who exemplify the spirit of volunteer service both individually or through the GEICO Corporate Community Citizens. Smith and Woodworth will take part in special ceremonies at GEICO’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., that will recognize the contributions they have made in their respective communities.
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.
