PHILADELPHIA, Sept. 22, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Independence Blue Cross (Independence) welcomes the World Meeting of Families — Philadelphia 2015 (WMOF) from September 22-25 and Pope Francis to Philadelphia from September 26-27. It marks the first time that the United States will host the World Meeting of Families, which takes place every three years and seeks to strengthen the bonds of family across the globe.
"Headquartered in Philadelphia for nearly 80 years, Independence Blue Cross is an integral part of the rich fabric of this vibrant city," said Daniel J. Hilferty, Independence president and CEO and co-chair of the WMOF Executive Leadership Cabinet. "Welcoming Pope Francis and the World Meeting of Families is an important moment for Philadelphia — an opportunity to show why our city is an extraordinary place to live, work, play, and visit. We're proud to support this once-in-a-generation gathering that puts Philadelphia on the world stage."
Independence lends support
- Hilferty is one of five co-chairs of the Executive Leadership Cabinet supporting the eighth WMOF. In this role, Hilferty has served as a public ambassador, supporting the event in outreach to the corporate and philanthropic communities. Other Independence senior executives are also participating on multiple key planning committees.
- The Independence Express, the company's mobile education and retail center, will welcome conference attendees and visitors at the Philadelphia Convention Center from September 22-25 with bilingual capabilities and an interactive experience — including a photo booth, graffiti wall, and "Historical Philadelphians" quiz — designed to engage local, national, and international visitors.
- Approximately 350 Independence Blue Crew volunteers will greet and assist participants during the Festival of Families on Saturday, September 26. In addition, Independence supported the recruitment of hundreds of registered nurse volunteers from the company and across the region to serve during the week's events.
Sponsored by the Holy See's Pontifical Council for the Family, the World Meeting of Families is the world's largest Catholic gathering of families but attracts visitors from all religions and sectors.
About Independence Blue Cross
Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurance organization in southeastern Pennsylvania. With our affiliates, we serve nearly 10 million people in 24 states and the District of Columbia, including 2.5 million in the region. For nearly 80 years, we have been enhancing the health and wellness of the people and communities we serve by delivering innovative and competitively priced health care products and services; pioneering new ways to reward doctors, hospitals, and other health care professionals for coordinated, quality care; and supporting programs and events that promote wellness. To learn more, visit www.ibx.com. Connect with us on Facebook at ibx.com/facebook and on Twitter at @ibx. Independence Blue Cross is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
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