Colonial Life Names Volunteer of the Year

Colonial Life named one of its employees winner of the Frank Sumner Smith Jr. Volunteer of the Year Award.

The insurance company honored Elisabeth Bischofberger, a senior public sector account manager, with the award.

The award goes to one person a year who volunteers in the community and inspires co-workers to donate their time as well.

Bischofberger works with the Humane Society for the Prevention of Cruelty of Animals, including serving as race director for the See Spot Run 5K fundraiser.

She first became involved as volunteer coordinator when the event started in 2010. The following year, the organization’s board asked her to serve as the event and race director, overseeing all aspects of the run and walk. Her role has included mapping a new course, recruiting and overseeing volunteers and all logistics. The race has raised $35,000 for the Humane Society in the past two years.

“I’m a huge animal lover and a runner, and working with See Spot Run allowed me to put both of my passions together to benefit the community,” Bischofberger said. “Participation in any event goes up with a strong leader. Volunteering offers a huge opportunity to learn leadership and management skills and that’s where I want my career to go.”

As part of the award presentation, Colonial Life made a $1,000 donation to Bischofberger’s charity of choice, the Humane Society.      

Bischofberger also serves as a core team member for Colonial Life’s Young Professionals group, president of the company’s running club and coordinates ticket sales as a member of Colonial Life’s Employee Social Council. 

Her other activities include coordinating volunteers for the Special Olympics in Columbia, serving on the advisory board for her college sorority and donating blood regularty to the American Red Cross.