Raising Money for Seattle Children’s Hospital

Symetra Agents Raise Money, Awareness for Seattle Children’s Hospital

The lights glittered and the camera bulbs flashed as children from around the Puget Sound hit the runway for the third annual American Girl Fashion Show, co-sponsored by Symetra Financial and held in Bellevue, Wash. this past weekend. The three-day event raised funds for Seattle Children’s Hospital.

American Girl dolls are a favorite collectors’ item for girls ages three to 12. Many of the dolls represent important points in history, including the Civil War era, the Great Depression and World War II. Each doll comes with a book series highlighting friendship, community and self-esteem.

John DeFranco, an owner and agent of DeFranco–Merrill Insurance in Seattle, Wash., and his wife Kristen, who served as the show’s event chair, partnered with Symetra this year as a sponsor.

“The fashion show is a great opportunity to support Children’s mission to prevent, treat and eliminate pediatric disease,” said John. “The ability to provide treatment for these children absolutely depends upon the support of companies like DeFranco–Merrill Insurance and Symetra.”

John is a long-time partner of Symetra and is a registered representative of Symetra Investment Services. Since 1985 he has included Symetra life insurance and annuities in the product portfolio he offers to customers.

The fashion show is a fun, engaging program that combines historical and modern day American Girl clothing with education and goodwill. Organized by the Star Guild, all proceeds benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital. Uncompensated care is an overall measure of hospital care provided for which no payment was received from the patient or insurer — something that has grown tremendously over the past several years. In 2009, the need is estimated to reach $100 million.

“The recession has only increased the need for uncompensated care, as more and more families are unable to pay for the critical medical care their children need,” said Kristen, who volunteers for the Star Guild. “Through the generous support of everyone involved — from the models and their families, to attendees and sponsors, we are able to help ensure the patients at Seattle Children’s get the support they need.”

Last year, the Guild raised more than $155,000 at the event and they are already off to a good start with the young girls who modeled in the show raising $12,000 through bake sales and other creative fundraisers.

“John and Kristen are true stewards of the community,” said Jim Pirak, vice president of Corporate Marketing. “Their commitment to this program has helped garner significant resources for the hospital and we are proud to work with them on this very worthwhile cause.”