2017 United Way Campaign: Let’s Rock for a Stronger Community

Pictured: Gabrielle King, Peter Panageas, Monika Kreidie, Development Associate for TP4C, and Raffaella Bucco. Peter traveled to American Red Cross Eastern Pennsylvania Region, Frankford High School, AstraZeneca Hope Lodge-American Cancer Society and Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Delaware Valley in celebration of United Way #DaysofCaring. Do you know where your next meal is coming from?...
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Blue Crew Volunteer Leaders: Tony Taliaferro

Tony Taliaferro (pictured back row, far left) with fellow Blue Crew volunteers at the AstraZeneca Hope Lodge for United Way Days of Caring 2016 When you ask Tony Taliaferro why he volunteers, the answer is simple: “Because people need help.” After 25 years with Independence Blue Cross (IBX) and ten years serving the community with the Blue Crew,...
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My Summer Internship at IBX Taught Me About Giving

summer internship at Independence Blue Cross
As a Temple University student approaching graduation, I’m beginning to search for full-time job opportunities. Of the many factors that will influence where I start my career, I hadn’t really considered corporate culture. That changed this summer with my digital communications internship with Independence Blue Cross (IBX). Through my internship at IBX, I learned what it means to be a part of a company that gives back,...
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Urban Nature: Finding the Green in Philadelphia

Green spaces in Philadelphia
Harry O’s Passyunk Gardens, a volunteer-run community green space in South Philadelphia As a committed urbanite, I regularly find myself debating (with myself and others) whether life is better in the city or in the suburbs. My usual argument is that there are pros and cons to both, but that I prefer living in the city due to things like walkability,...
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Blue Crew Volunteer Leaders: Kristen Mariana

Blue crew volunteer Kristen Mariana
Kristen Mariana (left) and her sister-in-law, Shannon, helped fill hundreds of new backpacks with school supplies for Philadelphia students during a United Way Backpack-A-Thon event. Kristen Mariana, Senior Corporate Relations Coordinator Years on the Blue Crew Advisory Board: 4 Kristen Mariana excels at bringing people together to support great causes — it’s a skill that comes in handy as an Independence associate and Blue Crew volunteer....
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How Volunteering on an Urban Farm Has Helped Me Grow

Associate Erin Brookes with fellow Blue Crew volunteers at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia. Volunteerism is a lot like gardening — you reap what you sow. Working with the Blue Crew at the Share Food Program in Philadelphia has taught me how this proverb applies to giving one’s time and talent....
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Blue Crew Volunteer Leaders: Stephanie Ray

MANNA volunteer group
Stephanie Ray (back row, third from left) leads a team of volunteers at MANNA during our annual United Way Days of Caring event. Stephanie Ray, Business Specialist, Risk Analytics Years on the Blue Crew Advisory Board: 2 Stephanie Ray was inspired to begin volunteering when she witnessed the incredible impact MANNA had on a dear friend’s life....
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Blue Crew Volunteer Leaders: Eric Inge

Blue Crew volunteer
Eric Inge (center) with fellow Blue Crew Volunteers at the Medal of Honor Grove in Valley Forge. Eric Inge, Senior Business Analyst Years on the Blue Crew Advisory Board: 2 When you’re a volunteer, you have to be ready for anything — even things you can’t always see. One of Eric Inge’s most memorable (and eerie) volunteer experiences took place in the pre-dawn hours at the Philadelphia Zoo,...
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How Service Has Shaped My Life: 5 Things I Learned Through Volunteering

Volunteering in Philadelphia
Lorina Marshall-Blake and other Blue Crew volunteers helped young ladies at the Cozen PAL Prom Boutique choose the perfect dress and accessories to wear to their big dance. Through volunteering, I have been able to help so many nonprofit organizations that are doing so much good. If you believe in the mission of the organization and the work you are doing,...
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Blue Crew Volunteer Leaders: Sarah Villamayor

Blue Crew Volunteer Sarah Villamayor
Sarah Villamayor (left) and her fellow Blue Crew advisory board member, Helen Furlow, happily share their time and talents with many local non-profit organizations. Sarah Villamayor, Management & Leadership Development Specialist Years on the Blue Crew Advisory Board: 4 Volunteering is contagious. Sarah Villamayor says once you start, you’ll want to do it again and again....
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