Vote for Toni Hoy Safeco "Community Hero"

Aug. 19, 2011 - PRLog -- Safeco InsuranceTM recognizes Toni Hoy as a Community Hero

Seattle, Wash. (Aug. 18, 2011) — Safeco Insurance has named Toni Hoy a Community Hero for her work with NAMI Barrington Area, which will receive a $2,000 donation from Safeco on behalf of Hoy and Hill and Stone Insurance Agency, Inc., Lake Bluff, Ill.

Hoy was nominated for the Safeco Community Hero award by Annie Bowman, customer service representative, of Hill and Stone Insurance Agency, Inc.

Each year Safeco celebrates local heroes who make a positive difference through its Agent Giving Program that’s designed to focus on three areas: education, health and safety, and civic engagement.

“Safeco applauds community heroes, like Toni, who share their gifts for giving and action,” said Brenda Mann Harrison, manager, Safeco Insurance Agent Giving Program. “We also thank the Hill and Stone Insurance Agency for nominating Toni and its commitment to community involvement.”

Through her work with NAMI Barrington Area in Barrington, Ill., Hoy works closely with state legislators, county mental health boards, advocacy groups, and state departments to advocate for children with severe mental health issues, support their families, and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

According to NAMI Barrington Area, Illinois ranks 34 out of the 50 states in per-capita public spending on mental health services and programs, and more people who suffer from mental illness are in the state's prisons than in its public and private hospitals.

Hoy is credited with starting a support group for parents of children with trauma-related issues, and she writes a column for the NAMI Barrington Area's monthly newsletter. In her ongoing fight to raise awareness about mental health disorders and the need for more funding and other support, she has brought new connections to the association too. Among them: the National Health Law Organization, Family Defense Center, Association for Community Mental Health Authorities, and Community and Residential Services Authority.

Help a local hero do more
You can help Hoy do more for NAMI Barrington Area by participating in the “Vote for your favorite Safeco Community Hero” online event.

Take a look at the inspiring stories and photos of all the Safeco Community Heroes, then vote for your favorite one. The charity supported by the Safeco Community Hero receiving the most votes will get an additional $5,000 check from Safeco Insurance!

You can vote once per day until the contest ends 11 p.m. PDT, Aug. 29. You may vote only if you are age 13 or older.

About Safeco Insurance
In business since 1923 and based in Seattle, Washington, Safeco sells insurance to drivers and homeowners through a network of independent agents and brokers in eight regions throughout the United States.

Safeco is part of Liberty Mutual Agency Corporation, a strategic business unit of Liberty Mutual Group, consisting of property and casualty and specialty insurance carriers that distribute their products and services primarily through independent agents and brokers. Liberty Mutual Group ranks 82nd on the Fortune 100 list of the largest U.S. corporations based on 2010 revenue. The company has financial strength ratings of A (Excellent) from the A.M. Best Company, A2 (Good) from Moody’s Investors Service, and A- (Strong) from Standard & Poor’s.

For more information about Safeco Insurance, go to www.Safeco.com.

For more information about the Safeco Insurance Agent Giving Program, go to www.SafecoGives.com.