During the 2023 Big “I" Legislative Conference, Trusted Choice® presented Howard Hanna Agency in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Danielle Shearer, vice president and general manager of the Howard Hanna Agency, with the Dan Fulwider Award for Community Involvement. 

The Dan Fulwider Award for Community Involvement is named in memory of Dan Fulwider, an avid philanthropist and former government affairs coordinator and membership liaison for the Independent Insurance Agents of Iowa. The award recognizes the Big “I" member who has gone above and beyond the call of service to truly make a lasting difference in their community over the past year. 

The Howard Hanna Agency supports the Ronald McDonald House of Pittsburgh and Morgantown, Pennsylvania, throughout the year. Not only do they volunteer extensively, but they also created The Howard Hanna Children's Free Care Fund to provide further help to families connected to the Ronald McDonald House. Last April, their agency was named the National 2022 Nationwide Agency Community Service Award Winner and received $2,500 to give to the Ronald McDonald House. 

“One agency [employee] in particular, Danielle Shearer, has tirelessly given herself to this cause and has helped secure thousands of dollars in donations and sponsorships for the Ronald McDonald House," said John Costello, Big “I" chairman and senior vice president at USI Insurance Services in Rochester, New York. “She says the charity is special to her for the peace of mind and special bonds it offers the families who spend time at the House." 

Shearer, vice president and general manager at the Howard Hanna Agency, came on stage to receive the award, along with $3,000 to donate to the agency's charity of choice. 

AnneMarie McPherson Spears is IA news editor.