The Walk 4 program was sponsored by Lending Hands, Unum’s employee-run volunteer committee.

Each year, Lending Hands sponsors an employee participation event to bring more awareness to Unum’s Employee Participation Program and to raise money for selected non-profits.

This year, Parent Project Muscular Dystrophy (PPMD), Senior Neighbors, March of Dimes and Signal Centers were the nonprofit organizations chosen.

With Unum’s $50 donation for each of the 1,000 Unum employee participants, each of the four non-profits was given $12,500 in support of their cause.

The money will be used to create a new playground and support continued programming within Children’s Services at the Signal Centers for children with disabilities. The donation will also support the health and well-being of older adults in the community through Senior Neighbors.

“We are appreciative of the generosity and the commitment of Unum to the clients and services of Signal Centers,” said Donna McConnico, CEO of Signal Centers.

The $12,500 given to the March of Dimes organization will be used to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth and infant mortality.

And at the PPMD, the money will go toward research, awareness and treatment options for children with Duchenne, a fatal genetic disorder diagnosed in childhood resulting in a progressive loss of strength and leading to heart and lung problems.

“As a company, we are very committed to contributing to positive change in our community,” said Tom White, senior vice president of Investor Relations, emphasizing that Unum’s commitment to communities is most significantly focused on public education and organizations that support health and wellness, arts and culture, and help people with disabilities.

The walk began in the Atrium. From there, participants walked down Fourth Street, across the Walnut Street Bridge and back to the Atrium. Upon their return, each employee was given Mayfield ice cream for their participation.

“We can only accomplish our goal of serving the community with the commitment of our employees,” White said. “I am very appreciative of the work that they do for our company and our community.”

-By Alexa Bramblett, Unum