NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--MetLife, a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefits programs, is pleased to announce that it is the official 2011 financial services partner of the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon, which will take place on January 16th, 2011 in Phoenix, AZ. A strong proponent of initiatives to promote health and wellness, this will be the first time MetLife will be supporting a marathon to promote healthy living.
Additionally, MetLife has joined with a local Arizona charity, TeamCasey – a non-profit dedicated to the legacy of the late Casey Axford, who succumbed to complications of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia at the age of 21. The organization began in 2004 with one individual who ran in Casey’s honor to raise money for Arizona’s University Medical Center Pediatric Outpatient Blood & Marrow Fund, which supports young oncology patients who receive outpatient medical care. In the last six years, TeamCasey has raised over $175,000 in donations. As the volunteers grow in numbers, so does the number of children’s hospitals they support. Today, TeamCasey supports Diamond Children’s Medical Center, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and Cardon Children’s Medical Center to meet the emotional needs of pediatric patients and their families.
“As a company, MetLife has a long-standing history of community involvement and social responsibility, as well as supporting causes that promote healthy living. I am proud that MetLife is the exclusive financial services partners of the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon,” states said Michael J. Vietri, executive vice president, Individual Distribution, MetLife. “But I am even more proud of the fact that we have joined with TeamCasey to bring attention to such a remarkable organization, and to a truly wonderful young man who inspires so many of us into action.”
“This will be the seventh year for TeamCasey participating in the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon in Phoenix. We have seen the unbelievable good that comes from TeamCasey, from the happiness of a pediatric patient to the health and fitness of our TeamCasey members. My wife Mary and I have been overwhelmed with pride at the huge support of so many people and the support of MetLife. Through TeamCasey, Casey is ‘Out of Sight, Not Gone,’” states Harry Axford, managing director of local office of MetLife in Phoenix and father of Casey Axford.
MetLife Foundation, created in 1976 by MetLife to continue its longstanding tradition of contributions and community involvement, made donations totaling $15,000 to three Arizona children’s hospitals; Phoenix Children’s Hospital in Phoenix; Diamond Children’s Medical Center at UMC in Tucson; and Banner Health Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa.
About MetLife
MetLife is a subsidiary of MetLife, Inc. (NYSE: MET), a leading global provider of insurance, annuities and employee benefit programs, serving 90 million customers in over 60 countries. Through its subsidiaries and affiliates, MetLife holds leading market positions in the United States, Japan, Latin America, Asia Pacific, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, visit www.metlife.com.
About TeamCasey
"TeamCasey" Honors Casey Axford, 2004 graduate of Desert Mountain High School, by providing "perks" of childhood that lifts the mood, spirit and hope in children and adolescents stricken with Childhood Cancer. These "perks" include books, toys, games, movies, bicycles, birthday cakes and other much needed assistance to Outpatient Blood and Marrow Transplantation Programs. You only have to see the look on a scared or sick child's face to understand Casey's purpose. It meant so much to Casey as well as the many supporters of "TeamCasey" to bring just a little joy, happiness or comfort into the lives of children who have been dealt an unlucky hand.
About MetLife Foundation
MetLife Foundation was established by MetLife to continue the company’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. The Foundation supports programs that improve education, promote health, encourage parental involvement and family engagement, help revitalize neighborhoods and stress accessibility and inclusion. Recognizing the vital role the arts play in building communities and educating young people, the Foundation contributes to arts and cultural organizations across the United States, with an emphasis on increasing opportunities for young people, reaching broad audiences through inclusive programming, and making arts more accessible for all people. For more information about the Foundation, please visit its web site at www.metlife.org.
About the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon
The 8th annual P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona Marathon & ½ Marathon will take place Sunday, January 16th, 2011. The fast, flat and scenic course will give runners a first class tour of the desert cities of Phoenix, Scottsdale and Tempe. Runners can rock to the sounds of live, local bands playing every mile of the Marathon & ½ Marathon courses, along with enthusiastic cheerleaders to keep participants moving. The event concludes with a headline concert and finish line festival. A two-day Health & Fitness expo kicks off race week at the Phoenix Convention Center on Friday, January 14th and Saturday, January 15th. The expo will feature over 100 vendors featuring the latest in running gear, nutrition and training tips. To register for the race or for more information, visit http://arizona.competitor.com or call 800-311-1255.