A very special ceremony took place recently at the corporate headquarters of Smith & Wesson in Springfield, MA. James Debney, President and CEO of Smith & Wesson presented Shriners Hospitals for Children and Ronald McDonald House with a donation to support the future growth of both local children’s charities. Through special activities sponsored by Smith & Wesson employees, $24,000 was raised for both charities. Smith & Wesson matched employee contributions, resulting in a total donation of $48,000.
James Debney, stated, “Through their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication, Shriners Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House of Springfield have served as a source of inspiration and hope to thousands of families facing serious medical crises. It is our hope that this donation will help to play a small part in the larger role these charities perform on a daily basis. On behalf of Smith & Wesson and all of its employees, we would like to extend our thanks to the men and women of both organizations as we recognize the significant impact they have made in our community and in the lives of so many children.”
Donations for both charities were raised through a variety of activities supported by the employees of Smith & Wesson. During a Comedy Night held at The Cedars in Springfield, three Boston-based comedians performed to a sold-out crowd of more than 600 people. Proceeds were raised from ticket sales and raffle prizes, including themed gift baskets, a Smith & Wesson firearm, custom bicycle, a kayak, sporting event tickets, and a 14lb lobster; along with audience participation games. Together, Smith & Wesson and its employees presented a check to the Shriners Hospitals for Children for $32,000, and a check to the Ronald McDonald House for $16,000 and an additional check for $15,000 to sponsor a family room. 
“Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Ronald McDonald House most gratefully acknowledge Smith & Wesson for the outstanding support and partnership they have shown our organizations via the 2012 Comedy Night. Your support will further our missions of providing life-changing medical care to children and comfortable housing for their families. We look forward to a continued partnership with Smith & Wesson,” stated Karen Motyka, Donor Relations at Shriners Hospital.
About Smith & Wesson
Smith & Wesson Holding Corporation (NASDAQ Global Select: SWHC) is a U.S.-based leader in firearm manufacturing and design, delivering a broad portfolio of quality firearms, related products and training to the global military, law enforcement, and consumer markets. The company’s brands include Smith & Wesson, M&P and Thompson/Center Arms. Smith & Wesson facilities are located in Massachusetts and Maine. For more information on Smith & Wesson, call (800) 331-0852 or log on to www.smith-wesson.com
On Thursday, June 28th, five employees from Symetra Life Insurance Company in Enfield, Connecticut graciously volunteered their time to Shriners Hospital – Springfield by sanding and painting the railings in the outside courtyard. Symetra encourages their employees to give back to their local community by participating in a company paid “service week,” where each day of the week employees select a different charity to work with. Erika Gore, Yolanda Centeno, Suzanne Brenner, David Nickolas and Becky Kraus all expressed an admiration for what Shriners Hospitals does for children. Suzanne added the reason she selected Shriners was to honor the exceptional care her son received at our Chicago facility. Each of the employees works daily with insurance and disability claims, so they very focused on health, wellness and getting people back to living their fullest life, a sentiment that Shriners exemplifies every day. 
