API Agency Earns Make More Happen™ Award Nomination for Supporting Phones Down Just Drive

Liberty Mutual has awarded API Agency a 2026 Make More Happen™ Award for its impactful partnership with Phones Down Just Drive, a nonprofit dedicated to educating drivers, raising awareness about distracted driving, and preventing tragedies caused by mobile phone use behind the wheel. The award includes a $5,000 donation, which can be doubled to $10,000 through online community support.

Starting on August XX, API Agency and Phones Down Just Drive's story is featured on the official Make More Happen microsite at https://www.agentgiving.com/api-agency, where supporters can vote to help unlock the full $10,000 donation. If the story receives at least 750 combined votes and comments, the $5,000 award will be doubled. The $10,000 donation would help Phones Down Just Drive expand its educational outreach to schools and communities, distribute phone holders to young drivers as a reminder to keep their phones out of their hands while driving, and offset transportation costs for its impactful awareness events.

For more than two years, API Agency has proudly supported Phones Down Just Drive, inspired by a mission that closely aligns with its commitment to protecting individuals and families from life's unexpected tragedies. Through educational programs, community outreach, and advocacy efforts, the nonprofit empowers drivers of all ages to make safer choices behind the wheel while working to strengthen distracted driving laws.

One of the organization's most impactful programs takes place during Distracted Driving Awareness Month, when a crashed vehicle is displayed at local high schools as a powerful visual reminder of the devastating consequences distracted driving can have in an instant.

That message became especially meaningful during a voluntary event at Canyon del Oro High School in Tucson, Arizona, where Phones Down Just Drive founder Julie Festering shared the heartbreaking story of losing her 21-year-old daughter and her daughter's boyfriend in 2019 after a texting driver rear-ended their vehicle, sending it into oncoming traffic.

"I was grateful my daughter was there to hear Julie's firsthand account," said Alexis Paterson, API Agency owner. "Inspired by her message, I began giving phone holders to new drivers as a reminder to keep their phones out of their hands. As my daughter begins driving, those lessons have been invaluable."

By supporting Phones Down Just Drive, API Agency is helping amplify an important message that has the power to save lives, ensuring more young drivers, families, and communities understand that no text, notification, or phone call is worth risking a life.

"Recognizing independent agents' dedication to their communities and nonprofit partners is what the Make More Happen Awards are all about," said Joseph Jacobs, Senior Territory Manager, Liberty Mutual Insurance. "API Agency's commitment to Phones Down Just Drive demonstrates how local partnerships can educate communities, inspire safer driving habits, and help prevent distracted driving tragedies before they happen."

Throughout 2026, Liberty Mutual Insurance 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.