A remarkable achievement unfolded at FOCUS, Aflac's annual meeting for top sales agents and brokers, where a charitable auction surpassed expectations, raising an impressive $770,000. This amount, exceeding the initial projection of $220,000 by over 350%, will be entirely dedicated to supporting treatments and research for pediatric cancer and blood disorders at the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
The auction, known as "auction for a cause," featured generous donations such as footballs autographed by Deion "Prime" Sanders, University of Colorado Head Football Coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, exclusive trips to Aflac's upcoming commercial shoot, and Aflac-branded footwear. Spearheaded by FOCUS Chair and Aflac Senior Vice President of U.S. Sales Distribution Andy Glaub, this event is believed to be the most successful single-day fundraising effort in Aflac's 28-year history with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
Reflecting on the profound impact of this accomplishment, Aflac Chairman, CEO, and President Dan Amos expressed pride in the unwavering commitment of the sales team, emphasizing the brand's mission to care for customers, communities, and families facing childhood cancer and blood disorders. Aflac Foundation President Kathelen Amos also commended the national sales organization's continuous dedication, noting that these contributions, combined with nearly three decades of support, bring hope and genuine care to affected children and families.
FOCUS Chair Andy Glaub, who orchestrated the auction, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming success, stating that the substantial $770,000 will significantly benefit children and families navigating challenging circumstances. Aflac's long-standing sponsorship of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center since 1995, with a total donation of $173 million, showcases the company's commitment. Over half of this sum has been contributed by Aflac's independent sales force. Recognized as one of the top 10 children's cancer facilities in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report, the center annually provides care for 9,000 children with cancer and blood disorders, making it the country's largest pediatric sickle cell program.
"We believe that every child deserves a lifetime, and that is what donations like this are helping us provide for the children and families who come through our doors every day," said Douglas Graham, MD, PhD, Chief of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. "Aflac and its incredible sales agents and brokers continue to lift the bar in corporate generosity, and we are so thankful for their continuous support."
The top-selling items at the auction included:
Signed footballs by Coach Prime with a photo, fetching $100,000. Two pairs of Aflac-branded shoes, sold for $60,000. Trips to the filming of the next Aflac TV commercial, totaling $150,000. A blue blazer worn by Coach Prime in TV ads, securing a bid of $23,000. Packages for four to major college football games, with a combined value of $46,000. The auction, known as "auction for a cause," featured generous donations such as footballs autographed by Deion "Prime" Sanders, University of Colorado Head Football Coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer, exclusive trips to Aflac's upcoming commercial shoot, and Aflac-branded footwear. Spearheaded by FOCUS Chair and Aflac Senior Vice President of U.S. Sales Distribution Andy Glaub, this event is believed to be the most successful single-day fundraising effort in Aflac's 28-year history with the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center.
Reflecting on the profound impact of this accomplishment, Aflac Chairman, CEO, and President Dan Amos expressed pride in the unwavering commitment of the sales team, emphasizing the brand's mission to care for customers, communities, and families facing childhood cancer and blood disorders. Aflac Foundation President Kathelen Amos also commended the national sales organization's continuous dedication, noting that these contributions, combined with nearly three decades of support, bring hope and genuine care to affected children and families.
FOCUS Chair Andy Glaub, who orchestrated the auction, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming success, stating that the substantial $770,000 will significantly benefit children and families navigating challenging circumstances. Aflac's long-standing sponsorship of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center since 1995, with a total donation of $173 million, showcases the company's commitment. Over half of this sum has been contributed by Aflac's independent sales force. Recognized as one of the top 10 children's cancer facilities in the U.S. by U.S. News and World Report, the center annually provides care for 9,000 children with cancer and blood disorders, making it the country's largest pediatric sickle cell program.
"We believe that every child deserves a lifetime, and that is what donations like this are helping us provide for the children and families who come through our doors every day," said Douglas Graham, MD, PhD, Chief of the Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center of Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. "Aflac and its incredible sales agents and brokers continue to lift the bar in corporate generosity, and we are so thankful for their continuous support."
The top-selling items at the auction included:
Jaime Gaudet, Aflac Market Director representing parts of Idaho, Oregon, Montana, and Wyoming, successfully secured one of the trips to attend the filming of Aflac's upcoming television commercial. Reflecting on the event, she expressed, "The vibrant Aflac culture is evident! I take great pride in being a part of this team and am delighted that we, as leaders, recognize the significance of supporting children and families affected by cancer and blood disorders in Atlanta and across the nation."