DETROIT - In recognition of his efforts to help the disabled community, Wright & Filippis President A.J. Filippis received the EP Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award at Comerica Park during the Detroit Tigers’ pre-game ceremony on August 10, 2010. Sponsored by MassMutual and Exceptional Parent magazine, the EP Maxwell J. Schleifer Distinguished Service Award is presented at Major League venues throughout the country to honor the remarkable accomplishments made on behalf of over 54 million Americans with disabilities and their families and caregivers.
“Earning recognition from Mass Mutual and Exceptional Parent magazine is particularly gratifying given the credibility and integrity of these two companies,” said Filippis. “This honor is very dear to my heart and encompasses much more than just myself. This award honors my father who founded Wright & Filippis and made it his life’s mission to help those with disabilities. It also honors every person that is working, volunteering and giving support to allow for a better quality of life for individuals with disabilities.”
Filippis was chosen to receive this award because of his passion to assist people with disabilities by taking a leadership role in a variety of non-profit organizations and community programs. He is Past President of the Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame (ADHOF), a non-profit established to create opportunities for, and spotlight the achievements of, athletes with disabilities. He sits on the Board of Directors for the Athletes with Disabilities Network, which continues ADHOF’s mission while also staging extreme sports competitions for amputees.
Under Filippis’ direction, Wright & Filippis annually hosts “Wheelchair Daze,” a free picnic for persons with disabilities and their family members or caregivers. Filippis also serves as President of the Filippis Foundation which has directly and indirectly improved the lives of thousands of people with disabilities by raising more than one million dollars for local charities and non-profits. In 2006, the Filippis Foundation created a new summer camp for young amputees, “Camp Yes-I-Can”, which gives children an opportunity to experience the joys of swimming, kayaking, arts and crafts, bonfires and other fun activities with their peers.
