Mercury Insurance, Anaheim Ducks Launch Hall of Heroes Honoring Orange County Volunteers

Mercury Insurance and Anaheim Ducks unveil Hall of Heroes to honor Orange County volunteers

INSURER MAKES COMMUNITY RECOGNITION A VISIBLE PART OF ITS BRAND

On Feb. 3, 2026 in Brea, Calif., Mercury Insurance, a unit of Mercury General, announces a new community recognition program with the Anaheim Ducks that spotlights grassroots volunteers across Orange County. The Ducks Hall of Heroes, presented by Mercury, inducts six inaugural "Wing Leaders" whose projects range from youth outreach to neighborhood support, positioning the insurer as an active backer of local civic engagement rather than just a financial sponsor.

Mercury frames the program as integrated with its broader community strategy, saying the company seeks to elevate individuals who "see a need and take action." Erik Thompson, Mercury’s vice president and chief marketing officer, says the inductees represent unsung local leadership and that public recognition and storytelling are tools to strengthen neighborhoods and inspire more volunteerism. The initiative ties the insurer’s brand directly to community stewardship, a move insurers increasingly adopt to deepen local ties and demonstrate social value beyond underwriting and claims.

The partnership with a major sports franchise gives Mercury a platform to amplify small-scale philanthropic efforts, turning local initiatives into county-wide narratives. Chad Watson, vice president of corporate partnerships for the Anaheim Ducks, says the Hall of Heroes is designed to celebrate compassion, creativity and resilience and to raise visibility so grassroots leaders attract volunteers and donors. By aligning with a high-profile team, Mercury leverages community events and media exposure to extend the reach of volunteer projects and youth-focused programs.

SPOTLIGHT ON INDUCTEES

The announcement names six inaugural 2025 Wing Leaders, including 10-year-old Ace Christopherson-Bilbruck of Coto de Caza, who runs the Ace of Hearts Project delivering toys and letters year-round to children in need, and Jacob Baruch of Long Beach/Santa Ana, founder of Project Coffee Cup. Mercury and the Ducks present these examples as evidence that small, sustained acts can have measurable local impact and inspire replication.

EXPECTED OUTCOMES AND CONTINUED COLLABORATION

Organizers say the Hall of Heroes aims to provide ongoing visibility for grassroots efforts, encourage volunteerism across Orange County and support youth-focused initiatives. The program signals continued collaboration between Mercury Insurance and the Anaheim Ducks to amplify community stewardship and to use sports partnerships as a channel for corporate social responsibility in the insurance industry.