NU Online News Service, Nov. 24, 3:40 p.m.EST

TheInsurance Industry Charitable Foundation announced it willhonor Joseph Plumeri, Willis Group Holdings chairman and chiefexecutive officer, at its 2009 New York Division Gala.

The foundation said it will honor Mr. Plumeri Dec. 9 at theWaldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York "specifically for his personalphilanthropy and positive impact on the reputation of the insuranceindustry."

Mr. Plumeri has had a "long and distinguished career in thefinancial services and insurance industries," and "has been a vocaladvocate of greater transparency, client service and innovation"during "a time of unprecedented scrutiny and change in theindustry," the IICF said.

Michael P. Fujii, IICF board chair and CEO of WorldwideInsurance Operations for Endurance Specialty Holdings Ltd., calledMr. Plumeri both "a spokesperson and cheerleader for ourindustry."

He said IICF particularly wanted to acknowledge Mr. Plumeri forhis philanthropic work with such organizations as the Make-A-WishFoundation; the National Center for Addiction and Substance Abuse;the American Friends of Churchill Museum; and the Intrepid Sea,Air, and Space Museum.

The proceeds from the 2009 IICF gala will provide grants to fourNew York-area non-profit groups: Boys Hope Girls Hope, theStarlight Children's Foundation, the International RescueCommittee's Refugee Youth Porgam and World Cares Center.

More information on the event can be found at the IICF BenefitOffice, 212-763-8593, or [email protected].