Mission 500 has a banner year

MIAMI—Mission 500, a non-profit charitable organization focusing on the security industry and dedicated to serving children and communities in need across the U.S., had a banner year in 2016, raising more than $800,000 in funds plus numerous in-kind donations and acts of community through a variety of events held over the year.

“Whether it was filling backpacks with school supplies for kids in New York, Texas and Florida, fixing up a home in the Appalachians, providing basic household goods to needy families or simply running a marathon, the generosity of the people in the security industry has made a meaningful difference in the lives of children and families across this country,” Jeff Eichenlaub, director of strategic partnerships for Mission 500, said in the announcement. “What makes me so grateful though is that this cause has been supported not only with cash donations but acts of service to support our cause.”

Events held in 2016 were domestic and international in scope and included the annual Security 5/2K at ISC West, the winter Hockey Classic, the summer Security Softball Game and the Miami Mixer as well as many privately sponsored events. Most recently, and just in time for the holidays, professionals from across the industry came together for a service trip to Appalachia where they worked with local stakeholders in Philippi, West Virginia to turn an old, uninhabitable mobile house into a warm home for a young family in need.

At the November SIA Gala in New York City, an event co-sponsored by Mission 500, Alan Forman, advisory board chair for Mission 500, spoke on behalf of the organization and specifically on the continued need to help children and families in financial distress here in America. His heartfelt words and plea helped raise almost $35,000 for the evening.

Plans are underway for the 7th annual Security 5/2K at ISCW in April, 2017. Sponsors already signed up for the event include Alarm.com, Altronix Corporation, Avigilon Corporation, Axis Communications, Bosch Security Systems, COPS Monitoring, DMP, Freeman, Galaxy Control Systems, ISC West, I-View Systems, LRG Marketing Communications, MONI Smart Security, Napco Starlink, Pelco by Schneider Electric, Qolsys, Scan Source Security and Security Systems News.

“As 2016 comes to a close it is great to see just how much Mission 500 accomplished this year,” said Eichenlaub. “There is still so much more to do and I'm sure the security industry will once again answer the call to assist children and families in need across the U.S. in 2017.”