Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community helps charitable organizations across Pennsylvania raise record-breaking $1.19 million

PITTSBURGH, Aug. 5, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- With participation from nearly 16,000 walkers, the 2014 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community, held in five locations across Pennsylvania this spring, helped 184 local non-profit organizations raise a record-breaking $1.19 million. This marks the fourth consecutive year that the walks in Bethlehem, Erie, Harrisburg, Johnstown and Pittsburgh have generated more than $1 million and brings the 12-year fundraising total for the walks to $7.8 million, benefiting more than 200 health and human services organizations.

"We are very pleased to see the continued growth and success of the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community across Pennsylvania," said Dan Onorato, Highmark Health executive vice president. "This event allows Highmark the opportunity to work with many of our outstanding local organizations and help contribute to their fundraising efforts. It also encourages physical activity by getting people outdoors and moving for a good cause, encouraging their overall health and wellness."

Highmark's Walk for a Healthy Community events, held during May and June, provide a yearly opportunity for the community to support participating local nonprofits. The primary goal of the walks, which includes both a 5K (3.1 mile) route and a one-mile fun walk option, is to help charitable health and human service organizations raise money for their individual missions. Highmark underwrites all of the costs associated with the walks, so 100 percent of funds raised by community members are donated to the charity they select. This year's top fundraising nonprofit was able to earn more than $33,000 for its cause.

The top five fundraising nonprofit organizations for 2014 were:

1. Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center: $33,669
2. Meals on Wheels of Northampton County: $30,041
3. LifePath (Bethlehem): $29,493
4. Southwinds, Inc. (Pittsburgh): $24,343
5. YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh: $24,324

The Harrisburg and Pittsburgh walks, held May 17, raised approximately $332,200 and $501,700 with the participation of 2,000 and 8,500 walkers, respectively.

The Bethlehem and Johnstown walks, held May 31, raised approximately $168,000 and $61,800 with the participation of 2,000 and 800 walkers, respectively.

The Erie walk, held June 7, raised approximately $130,000 with the participation of 2,300 walkers.

"We want to thank all of the walkers and charitable organizations for their enthusiastic efforts on walk day and for the work they do all year long to serve our neighbors in need," said Onorato.

Building on the success of the Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community in Pennsylvania, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield Delaware will launch its first-ever walk on September 13 in Wilmington. Seventeen local nonprofit organizations will participate in the Delaware walk.

Organizations and walkers interested in learning more about any of the Highmark walks, visit www.walkforahealthycommunity.org.

View a slideshow of reusable photos from the 2014 Highmark Walk for a Healthy Community.

About Highmark Inc.
Highmark Inc. is among the largest health insurers in the United States and the fourth-largest Blue Cross and Blue Shield-affiliated company. Highmark and its diversified businesses and affiliates operate health insurance plans in Pennsylvania, Delaware and West Virginia that serve 5.2 million members. Its diversified health businesses serve group customer and individual health needs across the United States through dental insurance, vision care and other related health businesses. Highmark is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies. For more information, visit www.highmark.com.

SOURCE Highmark Inc.