Mission 500, a non-profit charity supported by the security industry and dedicated to serving the needs of children and communities in crisis across the United States, raised $41,000 at its fifth annual Security Softball Game.


The event, which took place on Sunday, Sept. 15 at Overpeck County Park in Leonia, N.J., enabled Mission 500 to meet its goal of filling 400 care packs with essential school supplies for donation to children living in severe poverty in the South Bronx and who also attend Title One schools in the area.


Also at the event, security industry executives volunteered with Habitat for Humanity Paterson, framing walls and pouring concrete to help build homes for two families in need.


“We are thrilled that we achieved our financial and care pack goals again this year,” said Tom Nolan, director of strategic partnerships for Mission 500. “In addition, it was exciting to see Mission 500 members working with the Habitat for Humanity organization to create homeownership opportunities for families.” 


Additionally, $2,500 of the proceeds raised will be donated to the New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation Children’s Camp, a not-for-profit dedicated to the advancement of burn care, research, prevention, education and the proper treatment of burns. The organization also sends burn victims under the age of 18 to summer camp.


Sponsors were given the opportunity to fundraise for the event, with American Security raising the most funds as a team. 


“The security industry community never fails to show their support, whether it is with this annual softball game or the many other events that the Mission 500 organization works with each year,” said Ken Gould, Mission 500 chairman and owner of KJG Consulting. “Thank you to everyone who participated, and special thanks to the event sponsors. We could not have done it without you.” 


Security industry professionals looking to support Mission 500 can help in a variety of ways that benefit children across America, including joining or making a donation towards this year’s service trip to Puerto Rico, volunteering to help with the Security 5K/2K at ISC West 2020, participating in a team building event with their colleagues or customers or by making financial donations.


For more information on contributions or sponsorships, please visit mission500.org.