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Press Release

IBC Is Lead Sponsor Of 'One Book, One Philadelphia'

Event focuses on Benjamin Franklin's life, achievement and 300th birthday celebration

Philadelphia, PA - January 13, 2006 - For the fourth consecutive year, Independence Blue Cross is proud to be the lead sponsor of One Book, One Philadelphia, a collaborative community initiative of the Free Library and the City of Philadelphia that seeks to promote reading, literacy and community by encouraging Greater Philadelphians to read and discuss a single book.

This year's theme, "Three Books for One Founding Father," will feature three books that spotlight one central topic - Benjamin Franklin - as the nation celebrates Franklin's 300th birthday this year.

On Tuesday, January 17 at 10 a.m., Christopher Cashman, Independence Blue Cross Senior Vice President Corporate & Public Affairs, will officially kick off the inaugural event and press conference at the Central Library at 1901 Vine Street, Philadelphia. At the event, Channel 6 news anchor Monica Malpass will read to area school children from one of this year's featured books, "Ben and Me," with a special visit by the book's star character, Amos the Mouse. The children will then sing Happy Birthday to Ben, blow out the candles on Ben's birthday cake, and march around the Library in a parade led by Ben Franklin, African-American Revolutionary War hero Ned Hector and colonial fife and drum players.

Because of the complexity of the topic and the wide-ranging diversity of Franklin's interests, three books were chosen to promote the widest participation possible. This year's books are:

  • "The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin" by Benjamin Franklin
  • "Ben and Me" by Robert Lawson (1939, Little, Brown & Company)
  • "Franklin: the Essential Founding Father" by James Srodes (2002, Regnery Publishing, Inc.)

More than 150 official events will take place between the official reading period, January 17 to March 15, such as appearances by author James Srodes, children's programs, special appearances by historical characters, theatrical productions, historical and art exhibitions, and panel discussions. Discussion topics will include Franklin's multi-faced life and career, his legacy to Philadelphia and his relevance in today's world.

IBC's sponsorship will help defray the cost of printing and distributing discussion materials and copies of the three books.  Thousands of area residents are expected to read and discuss Franklin's life and accomplishments this year and celebrate the tercentenary of Franklin's birth during One Book, One Philadelphia, a literacy initiative that has become an important fixture in the southeastern Pennsylvania region.

For more information about this year's One Book, One Philadelphia, visit the Free Library of Philadelphia website.

Independence Blue Cross is the leading health insurer in Southeastern Pennsylvania. Nationwide, IBC and its affiliates provide coverage to nearly 3.4 million people. For more than 65 years, Independence Blue Cross has offered quality health care products and services tailored to meet the changing needs of members, employers, groups and providers.

Independence Blue Cross recently received the highest ratings from the National Committee for Quality Assurance for its HMO and PPO health care plans. In addition, earlier this year, Independence Blue Cross's Personal Choice was rated the No. 1 PPO in the nation and its Keystone HMO was ranked the No. 1 HMO in the region by health care consumers in a leading independent consumer magazine.

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