American Fidelity Assurance Company was founded on the principal of providing great service to its Customers, so it's no wonder that the philosophy has spilled over into the community. With the education community serving as the largest Customer base for AFA, that sector is one of the major focuses of the Company's philanthropic and volunteer efforts.

Three years ago, AFA adopted Buchanan Elementary School in the Oklahoma City Public School District. Colleagues volunteer to spend 30 minutes each week tutoring and mentoring students during the school year. Each week at least one additional Colleague goes to the school to read to a class, bringing the book, which is then donated to the class.

The school also benefits from donations from American Fidelity. During Book Fairs, Colleagues donate new and used books for the school’s library. Supplies are donated throughout the year. The Company's Information Services Colleagues installed a Smart Board at the school. In 2008, AFA funded a pizza party and prizes for students who read at least 75 books. Those who read at least 100 books were rewarded with a bookstore gift card.

2008 saw the NBA come to Oklahoma City. American Fidelity initiated a partnership with the Oklahoma City Thunder to sponsor its education initiative, Read to Achieve. One component of the program is the Reading Timeout where Thunder players go to schools across the state to read to students and stress the importance of literacy. The initiative supports the Rolling Thunder book bus, which travels to schools, museums, parks and other places around the state giving books to children. In addition, American Fidelity and the Thunder work together to recognize a Teacher of the Game at every home game.

American Fidelity is a strong supporter of the Foundation for Oklahoma City Public Schools, providing grants for school projects through the AF Foundation and support for the new Teachers Warehouse supply program. Further supporting our educational endeavors, we continue sponsorship of the Weatherschool program with a local television station and host a school supply drive each summer for students from low-income families.

And while a large portion of community support is dedicated to the schools, American Fidelity is a leader in donating to the United Way and Allied Arts. Both fundraising drives are supported heavily by Colleagues, whose donations are matched by the AF Foundation.

Colleagues participate monthly in helping each other's favorite non-profit organizations by contributing to Charity Jeans Day Drives. The Regional Food Bank was another beneficiary of our Colleagues' generosity, with more than 1,500 pounds of food donated in 2008.

Each year, Colleagues join in the fights against heart disease and breast cancer by signing up to participate in the Heart Walk and the Komen Race for the Cure. As marathoners in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon race past the American Fidelity campus, a group of volunteers is there to provide sports drinks, water and encouragement. Five blood drives are held each year at America Fidelity, and about 100 Colleagues donate blood for the Oklahoma Blood Institute during each drive.

This spirit of community and family helps rank American Fidelity among the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America, an accomplishment recognized for the sixth straight year by FORTUNE magazine.