Beth Hanlon, owner of the Elizabeth Hanlon Agency in Riverhead, has received a national honor from Allstate recognizing her longstanding commitment to community service and volunteerism.
Hanlon, who has been an Allstate agent since 1987 and opened her own Riverhead agency in June 1989, was named the recipient of the Ray Lynch Community Service Award, an annual recognition presented to one of the company’s top agents, financial specialists or life specialists for exceptional community involvement.
The award was created in 1999 and first presented in 2000 in memory of Ray Lynch, a Fayetteville, North Carolina agency owner remembered by Allstate as a successful business leader and a dedicated supporter of his family, church and community. During his 32 years as an Allstate agent, Lynch consistently earned the company’s Honor Ring and Life Leader distinctions. He retired in 1998 and died in 1999, shortly after being inducted as a charter member of the Allstate Financial Hall of Fame.
According to Allstate, finalists for the award are selected from among consistent top producers who demonstrate a long-standing commitment and major contribution to community service and volunteerism, with volunteer activities reflecting service above and beyond their business interests.
Hanlon said the recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects something she cares deeply about.
“I’m truly honored and grateful to accept the Ray Lynch Community Service Award,” Hanlon said. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates something I care deeply about — giving back to the community.”
She said the work behind the award has always been a shared effort.
“But the truth is, community work is never done alone — it truly takes a village,” Hanlon said. “I’m so grateful for the constant support from my husband and my sons, who are always there volunteering at events and helping however they can. I’m thankful for all my agent friends who help support me and a special thank you to Patti as well for being such an important part of these efforts.”
“I’m incredibly thankful to be surrounded by people who believe in showing up for others,” she added. “This award belongs to all of us who work together to support our community.”
A member of Riverhead Rotary for over 22 years, Hanlon serves on the club’s board of directors. She also raises money and provides group grants to The Retreat through its “Adopt A Family” program. This year, she worked with Tijuana Fulford at the Butterfly Effect Project to secure a $5,000 grant for the organization’s first annual Backpack & BBQ back-to-school event.
Hanlon also serves as a board member and volunteer with the Riverhead Community Awareness Program (CAP).
As part of the recognition, The Allstate Foundation will provide a $10,000 charitable donation to the Ray Lynch award winner’s charity. Final award nominees each receive a $5,000 donation to their charities. The winner also receives a trophy marking the year of the achievement and a $1,000 incentive payout to celebrate with staff.
The award will be formally presented to Hanlon at Allstate’s national conference in Bentley Hills, California in August.
Hanlon said she intends to donate the award money to Riverhead Rotary Charities.
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