Yesterday evening, Allstate and the Birmingham community surprised local hero Kerri Pruitt with her 2015 Allstate Champions for Good award. The surprise took place in the gymnasium at The Dannon Project, where Kerri spends most of her time. Kerri and her husband, Jeh Jeh Pruitt founded The Dannon Project after a family member was killed by a person that had been recently released from prison on a non-violent offense. The Dannon Project was established to help ex-offenders with re-entering society, and Kerri has been able to successfully change the lives of thousands through this program.
Upwards of 75 people including family members (some who had even traveled from out of town for the occasion), co-workers, close friends and long-time supporters and partners of The Dannon Project gathered for the surprise. As a shocked Kerri entered the room, Allstate agency owner John Saddler escorted her to the stage where he presented her with her Champions for Good trophy. Kerri’s husband Jeh Jeh and both of Kerri’s sisters also spoke about the positive impact she has made and the lives she has touched and, in some cases, even saved. Kerri then gave a moving speech about how this award doesn’t just belong to her, but to everyone that supports her and makes The Dannon Project possible.
The highlight of the evening was a guest performance by R&B singer/songwriter Alvin Garrett, who dedicated and sang several songs to Kerri.
The 2015 Champions for Good award winners will be recognized at the Allstate Tom Joyner Family Reunion in Orlando over Labor Day weekend (September 3-7, 2015), where they will encourage others to spread the good and lead attendees in a special service project benefitting youth in the Orlando community.
Allstate urges everyone to make time to volunteer this summer, and asks individuals to share their personal stories, photos and videos of good on social media using #GiveItUpForGood. For more stories of good and volunteer motivation, follow @GiveItUpForGood on Twitter.
(photo included)
photo credit: AllState
