ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, May 17, 2017–Trusted Choice® has awarded the annual Dan Fulwider Award for Community Involvement to Harry Swimmer, founder of the Swimmer Insurance Agency in Charlotte, North Carolina.
“We’re proud to present the Dan Fulwider Award for Community Involvement to Harry Swimmer of the Swimmer Insurance Agency for his amazing work to establish Misty Meadows Mitey Riders in Weddington, North Carolina,” said Spencer Houldin, Big “I” chairman who presenting the award at the association’s largest annual gathering in Washington, D.C. “Even at age 87, Harry Swimmer continues to give his time, energy and passion to help special needs children enjoy life through the Mitey Riders therapeutic riding
As the recipient of the Dan Fulwider Award for Community Involvement, the agency will receive a $2,500 contribution for the charity of their choice and was recognized at the 2017 Big “I” Legislative Conference.
Harry and Marilyn Swimmer founded Misty Meadows Mitey Riders, an organization that provides free, certified equine-assisted therapy to young people with a range of disabilities. Misty Meadows Farm hosts 70 Mitey Riders each week, and is home to 18 therapy horses, five certified instructors and more than 200 volunteers. All riders are able to participate at no cost to their families. Nearly 800 boys and girls have participated in the program since its inception. Early this year, Swimmer was also recognized as a CNN Hero.
“This award is presented in memory and honor of Dan Fulwider who passed away after a valiant fight with cancer and recognizes Trusted Choice® member agents for going above and beyond in volunteering time and enthusiasm to causes close to their hearts,” says Dave Evans, Trusted Choice® executive director. “We are proud to commemorate Dan’s commitment to service to others with this award. Harry Swimmer, like so many of our agents, understands the importance of helping the less fortunate and serving the community.”
Dan Fulwider was a beloved member of the Big “I” family, a huge proponent of Trusted Choice® and served as the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa (IIAI) government affairs coordinator and membership liaison at the time of his passing. His family, IIAI and Trusted Choice® established this award in 2009 in his memory.
The award was presented during the recent Big “I” Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C.
Trusted Choice® educates consumers about the benefits of using independent agents and brokers for their insurance needs: choice of companies, customized policies and advocacy support. Trusted Choice® is the consumer marketing identity for more than 25,000 independent insurance agencies and brokerage firms and 68 leading insurance companies. For more information, go to www.TrustedChoice.com.
Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”), is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of approximately a quarter of a million independent insurance agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life and health—as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.
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