Stephanie Santoro selected by BCBSRI peers for her dedication to community service

PROVIDENCE, RI (2 de enero de 2020) – For many years, Stephanie Santoro has been deeply involved as a volunteer for the Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation and their annual Mission of Mercy event, a two-day dental clinic that provides millions of dollars of free dental care to those who can’t afford it. And, she’s also been an incredible supporter of the American Heart Association, leading a team in the 2019 New England & Southcoast Heart Walk.

These are just two examples of why Stephanie, dental network manager at Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Rhode Island (BCBSRI), has been named the company’s 2019 BlueAngel of the Year, a recognition that honors BCBSRI employees who make a difference by serving the local community through their passionate and long-term participation in the BlueAngel Community Investment Program. Stephanie was selected for this honor by her peers for her commitment and leadership in giving back to the Rhode Island community.

“Stephanie is a longtime leader and participant in our fundraising events and has been making a positive impact on our community for many years", said Carolyn Belisle, managing director of community relations at BCBSRI. “Her BlueAngel of the Year nominator described her as a passionate leader for her causes who effortlessly creates excitement around all of her volunteer work. She selflessly gives her time, energy, and passion both at BCBSRI and in her community, logging more than 130 hours in our employee volunteer platform in 2019 alone."

BCBSRI first launched the BlueAngel of the Year award in 2001. Nominations are submitted by BCBSRI employees and all employees vote to select the honoree.

In addition to her volunteer efforts with the Rhode Island Oral Health Foundation and the American Heart Association, Stephanie also volunteers with the planning of Autumnfest, an annual family fun fest in Woonsocket at the WWII Veterans Memorial Park. This year, through her service she was able to designate a $500 Champion Grant from BCBSRI.

She is also a member of the Woonsocket Rotary, leads a women’s book club at St. Joseph’s in Woonsocket, helps with the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council’s Polar Express and has served as a team captain the past six years during BCBSRI’s Blue across Rhode Island annual day of service.

Santoro’s commitment to service is representative of BCBSRI’s mission to support the local community. In 2019, BCBSRI employees contributed more than 11,000 volunteer hours serving organizations across Rhode Island.

At the ceremony announcing Santoro as the 2019 BlueAngel of the Year, BCBSRI also announced it was awarding a $500 grant to her organization of choice, the American Heart Association.