Mission 500, a non-profit charity focusing on the security industry and dedicated to serving the needs of children and communities in crisis, raised more than $55,000 at its second annual Security Softball Game on August 20 at Eisenhower Park in East Meadow, New York. 

Additionally, 300 school bags were filled with school supplies by game attendees for donation to children attending Title One schools in the South Bronx — the poorest congressional district in the country.

“We couldn’t be more pleased with the generosity of the security community in supporting these events to assist children and families in need across our country,” said Jeff Eichenlaub, director of strategic partnerships for Mission 500. “We are very grateful to be associated with such a big-hearted industry.”

Money raised will be used to donate 4,500 meals and a $5,000 grant to Long Island Cares, a non-profit dedicated to creating a “Hunger-Free Long Island,” serving more than 550 food banks on Long Island. In addition to the 300 students receiving backpacks, a $5,000  donation will be made to World Vison, leveraging a  multiplier grant that will turn the $5,000 into $60,000 of much-needed basic household supplies for families across the country living below the poverty line. The remainder of the funds raised will be used in Mission 500’s regional programming for children across the United States.

Families of security professionals from 12 companies participated in the enthusiastically competitive softball game, which ended in a tie at the end of the seventh inning due to rain. The MVP title for raising the most funds went to Wesco International. Event sponsors included ADI, Altronix, Axis, Commercial Architecture Magazine, DOT Generation, Focus Media, Hanwha Techwin, HID Global, Ingram Micro, ISC Events, LRG Marketing Communications, Monitronics, My Display Source, Napco Starlink, Pelco, ScanSource Security, SDM, SD&I, Security Management, Security Products, Security Sales & Integration, Security Systems News, SIA, Synnex Corporation, Visual Communications, Wesco International and Wynit.

Upcoming Mission 500 events include an industry service trip to Appalachia from October 26 –30, 2016. Service projects for this trip will range from light to difficult, and participants will be paired with a project that best suits their talents. The deadline to register for the trip is October.

Also on the schedule is a golf outing in Northern Texas in early November, a Mission 500 Miami Mixer in December, and the Security 5K/2K Run in April, 2017.

In addition to these and other Mission 500 events, security industry professionals can support Mission 500 in a variety of ways, including volunteering to help with the Security 5K/2K at ISC West 2017, participating in a teambuilding event with their colleagues or customers, or by making financial donations. All donations are tax-deductible and can be made with a check and major credit cards.

For more information on contributions or sponsorships, please visit www.mission500.org or contact Jeff Eichenlaub at jeichenlaub@mission500.org or call 305-321-3193.