Mission 500, a non-profit initiative focusing on the security industry and dedicated to serving the needs of children and communities in crisis, is seeking applicants for the 2013 Mission 500 Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award and Humanitarian Award. The Awards will be presented at a special cocktail reception on April 11, 2013 during ISC West in Las Vegas.

The purpose of the Mission 500 CSR Award is to honor companies in the security industry who make important contributions to those in need. The judging criteria includes an assessment of applicants’ CSR programs as they relate to effectiveness in impacting the communities they focus on, involvement of their personnel, sustainability and long-term impact, as well as activities going beyond financial contributions.

Any company in the security industry can be nominated. A judging panel will evaluate all applicants based on the above-mentioned criteria and their respective contributions toward social causes.

The 2012 recipient was Vivint. The “Vivint Gives Back” program raised more than $726,000 from company personnel. This total was matched dollar for dollar by Vivint, enabling the company to donate more than $1 million to 86 different charities. The company’s staff also donated 8,400 hours of service to organizations and families in need.

During the same event, Mission 500 will also present its Humanitarian Award, designed to honor individuals in the security industry who make important contributions to those in need.

The 2012 recipient was Mary Jensby, call center director at RFI Communications & Security Systems in San Jose, Calif. Jensby is well known in the industry for her service to the Central Station Alarm Association (CSAA) and Electronic Security Association (ESA), and has been engaged over the years in many efforts that involve volunteering for community and social causes in the Dallas area.

Mission 500 is also hosting its fourth 5/2K charity run at ISC West on April 11, 2013.

The Security 5/2K is the first charity-driven event at an ISC Expo conceived to engage corporate sponsors as well as individuals within the industry, Mission 500 said. Runners can register for the race on-site at the Mission 500 booth at ISC West, or online at www.firstgiving.com/mission500. A nominal entry fee of $30 will go directly to the charity.

For information on the Mission 500 CSR and Humanitarian Awards, or on how to become involved in supporting Mission 500, contact George Fletcher at pr@mission500.org, call 305-321-3193, or visit www.mission500.org.