PEMCO Partners with Schoolhouse Supplies to Thank Oregon Educators

SEATTLE, Oct. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- PEMCO Insurance, the Northwest's largest locally based insurer, recently partnered with Portland-based Schoolhouse Supplies for the second consecutive year to host Fire Up the Learning, A BBQ Benefit for Schoolhouse Supplies, which raised $3,500 in donations and matching funds for the nonprofit. 

The second annual school-supply drive and barbecue also encouraged Northwest residents to nominate their favorite Oregon K-12 teacher for a chance to win $2,500 in school supplies for the teacher's classroom. Edgar Solares, a fifth-grade teacher at Barnes Elementary School in Beaverton, was named the winner.

Now PEMCO and Schoolhouse Supplies will team up to congratulate Mr. Solares and deliver a truckload of supplies to his classroom with the help of PEMCO's distinctive green "WALLY" van this Friday, Oct. 19. 

"We're proud to continue a legacy of learning by helping organizations like Schoolhouse Supplies ensure the success of students and teachers," said PEMCO spokesperson Jon Osterberg.

Those who attended the July 28 barbecue at Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square donated $5 or the equivalent in school supplies per person to the cause, with PEMCO matching each contribution and covering the cost of admission for educators. Entertainment was provided by Portland's Oldies 106.7 on-air personality Rick "Bubba" Taylor, and Famous Dave's provided home-style barbecue.

PEMCO began serving Oregon residents with auto and home insurance in July 2011 and continues to expand its footprint through community outreach and partnerships with organizations like Schoolhouse Supplies. 

Since 1999, Schoolhouse Supplies has enriched student learning by distributing more than $16.7 million worth of supplies to schools in need. It currently operates Oregon's first and only volunteer-run Free Store to provide teachers with the classroom supplies needed to encourage the learning process for all students.

"We are thrilled to partner with PEMCO to support great teachers like Mr. Solares and the students of Barnes Elementary School, and look forward to exploring more ways we can provide Oregon schools with the tools and resources they need to thrive in the year ahead," said Jen Barth, executive director of Schoolhouse Supplies.

About PEMCO Insurance
PEMCO Insurance, established in 1949, is a Seattle-based provider of auto, home, boat and umbrella insurance to Northwest residents. PEMCO Insurance is sold by community agents throughout the region and through PEMCO offices. For more information, visit www.pemco.com.

About Schoolhouse Supplies
Schoolhouse Supplies is an award-winning nonprofit that supports public education in Portland by giving students and teachers free classroom supplies whose mission to "serve classrooms in need by operating a volunteer-run free store for teachers, which is stocked with supplies donated by the community," is based on the belief that every child deserves school supplies and has the right to a quality education.

Contacts:

Jon Osterberg
PEMCO Insurance
[email protected]
(206) 682-4019

Kristi Clough
Firmani + Associates Inc.
[email protected]
(206) 443-9357

Eli Madrone
Schoolhouse Supplies
[email protected]
(503) 249-9933 X 6

SOURCE PEMCO Insurance

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED