Mercury Insurance, Anaheim Ducks launch Ducks Hall of Heroes honoring Orange County volunteers

Mercury Insurance spotlights community volunteers through Ducks Hall of Heroes

Corporate partnership spotlights community stewardship

Mercury Insurance, in partnership with the NHL’s Anaheim Ducks, is inducting six community volunteers into a newly created Ducks Hall of Heroes, a recognition program launched to elevate local "Wing Leaders" across Orange County. The program, presented by Mercury, highlights people whose volunteer work and grassroots projects strengthen neighbourhoods, support youth and provide vital services outside formal nonprofit channels.

Erik Thompson, Mercury’s vice president and chief marketing officer, says the inductees “don’t seek recognition — they see a need and take action,” and that the insurer is proud to spotlight those who improve lives and inspire others. The Hall of Heroes combines public recognition, storytelling and the Ducks’ platform to amplify the reach of small-scale philanthropic efforts, positioning the program as part of Mercury’s wider community engagement and brand-building strategy.

Chad Watson, vice president of corporate partnerships for the Ducks, says the initiative recognises “compassion, creativity and resilience” and aims to translate praise into wider volunteerism and donor support across the county. Mercury and the Ducks say they expect the partnership to sustain visibility for honourees beyond a single event by featuring their work in promotional channels and by exploring ongoing collaborations that tie youth-focused programmes to local volunteer networks.

Inaugural honourees and projects

The announcement names six inaugural 2025 Wing Leaders and highlights a range of efforts. Among them is 10‑year‑old Ace Christopherson‑Bilbruck of Coto de Caza, who runs the Ace of Hearts Project, delivering toys and letters to children in need year-round, and Jacob Baruch of Long Beach/Santa Ana, founder of Project Coffee Cup, a grassroots initiative that supports people experiencing homelessness.

Community impact and next steps

Mercury and the Ducks frame the Hall of Heroes as a celebration of ordinary people doing extraordinary work and as a vehicle to inspire new leaders and donors throughout Orange County. The partners signal continued collaboration to expand visibility for grassroots philanthropic efforts, support youth‑focused initiatives and encourage local volunteer engagement.