$10,000 Donation Awarded to Local Non-Profit, Rescue Road

Liberty Mutual Insurance has officially awarded First Arkansas Insurance a 2026 Make More Happen™ Award for its impactful partnership with Rescue Road, a nonprofit dedicated to giving rescued animals a second chance at life. The funding will allow Rescue Road to provide essential medical care such as vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, dental work, and injury treatment for animals, while also expanding transport operations and supporting emergency and disaster response rescues.

Initially, First Arkansas Insurance received a $5,000 donation through the Liberty Mutual® 2026 Make More Happen™ Awards program for its partnership with Rescue Road. After the story was featured on the official Make More Happen microsite at https://www.agentgiving.com/first-arkansas-insurance/, the community rallied with over 750 votes and comments—triggering a matching donation and bringing the total to $10,000.

The staff at First Arkansas Insurance shares a strong commitment to helping their community—and that includes animals in need. Led by marketing director Emily Kelley’s volunteer efforts, the agency partnered with Rescue Road to support its mission of redirecting healthy, adoptable dogs from high-kill shelters into foster networks across Arkansas before transporting them to permanent homes in New England.

Employees regularly walk, bathe, and transport dogs, donate food and supplies, and contribute financially when needs arise. Kelley spends several afternoons each month socializing and exercising animals at the Pine Bluff shelter. The agency’s Chief Operating Officer Nick Cox and Vice President David Beck have also fostered or adopted dogs over the years, deepening the agency’s connection to the cause.

“We’re in the business of creating lifelines for community members, and we believe that compassion extends to man’s best friend,” said Kelley. “Everyone at our agency is proud to pitch in to get animals the care and connections they need.”

Financial support plays a critical role in shortening shelter stays and increasing adoption rates. With additional funding, Rescue Road can continue expanding its life-saving work, ensuring more animals are placed into safe, loving homes.

“Recognizing independent agents’ dedication to their communities and nonprofit partners is what the Make More Happen Awards are all about,” said Susan Cockrell, Senior Territory Manager, Liberty Mutual Insurance. “First Arkansas Insurance’s commitment to Rescue Road demonstrates how local businesses can make a meaningful difference by supporting vulnerable populations—including animals in need.”

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.