Oak Ridge Insurance Services Secures $10,000 Donation for Hands for Hearts Through Make More Happen™ Award
Oak Ridge Insurance has earned a 2026 Make More Happen™ Award from Liberty Mutual and successfully unlocked the full $10,000 donation for Hands for Hearts, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families of children born with congenital heart defects (CHDs), through strong community support.
Initially, Oak Ridge Insurance Services received a $5,000 donation through the Liberty Mutual® 2026 Make More Happen™ Award program. After their story was featured on the Make More Happen microsite, www.agentgiving.com/oak-ridge-insurance-services, supporters rallied behind the campaign – surpassing 750 combined votes and comments – triggering a matching donation and bringing the total to $10,000.
The funding will allow Hands for Hearts to purchase Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) for local schools through the Project Adam initiative, provide backpacks filled with essentials for families facing extended hospital stays, and fund promising research and training of advanced pediatric cardiology at Duke Childrens Hospitality to bring specialized medical services here locally in the Triad community.
Hands for Hearts supports families of children born with congenital heart defects (CHDs) by connecting them with financial assistance, medical resources and compassionate community support during some of life’s most difficult moments. Congenital heart defects are the most common birth defect in the United States, affecting nearly 40,000 babies each year. Through family support networks, holiday assistance programs, school defibrillator initiatives and pediatric cardiology research funding, Hands for Hearts helps families navigate both the emotional and practical challenges that often accompany a child’s diagnosis.
After years of sponsoring and volunteering at Hands for Hearts events, Oak Ridge Insurance Services, in conjunction with Bank of Oak Ridge, sought to deepen its impact and help ease the burden on families facing complex medical journeys.
“Providing relief during life’s toughest moments is something we aim to deliver to our clients every day,” said Brent Schroyer, insurance advisor at Oak Ridge Insurance Services. “We’re honored to stand alongside Hands for Hearts and support families facing congenital heart defects by helping fill critical gaps and provide reassurance when they need it most.”
Oak Ridge Insurance Services’ involvement goes far beyond financial contributions. The agency sponsors Hands for Hearts’ Casino Night fundraiser, while staff members serve on the organization’s board and assist with fundraising and event planning efforts. Employees across the bank also participate in annual giving campaigns and receive paid time off to volunteer. Throughout the year, team members support families directly through holiday gift deliveries, backpack-packing initiatives for extended hospital stays and other hands-on service efforts.
“Recognizing independent agents’ dedication to their communities and nonprofit partners is what the Make More Happen Awards are all about,” said Heather Murphy, Senior Territory Manager, Liberty Mutual. “Oak Ridge Insurance Services’ commitment to Hands for Hearts highlights how local businesses can make a meaningful difference for families facing serious medical challenges.”
Throughout 2026, Liberty Mutual will select up to 36 independent agencies nationwide for a Make More Happen Award, donating up to $360,000 to nonprofits they support. Agencies become eligible for the award by submitting applications that highlight their commitment to a specific cause.