The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation Northeast divisionmade its largest-ever distribution of charitable grants at itssixth annual benefit dinner this week handing out $960,000.

David Brinkman, chairman of the IICF Northeast division boardand executive managing director of Aon Benfield, reported that thedivision has now distributed grants totaling more than $3.7 millionsince the first event in 2007.

“In one of the most challenging times ever for our region andfor the insurance industry, it is heartening and inspiring that theInsurance Industry Charitable Foundation has been able to make sucha significant financial contribution to tri-state communities,”stated Brinkman. “IICF serves as a rallying point for the generousgiving of individuals and companies in our industry. The IICF'svolunteer leaders applaud the commitment and community spirit of somany in our industry. We thank everyone who contributed for theiroutstanding support.”

More than 1,000 insurance industry leaders attended the IICFcharity event, held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York onWednesday, Dec. 12.

Speakers and presenters included:

• Paula Zahn,award-winning journalist and host and executive producer of “On theCase with Paula Zahn” and as a co-host of WNET's “NYC-ARTS.”

• Joe Torre ofMajor League Baseball, accepting a grant for the Joe Torre Safe atHome Foundation.

• Mark Teixeiraof the New York Yankees, accepting a grant for Harlem RBI.

The IICF also honored XL Group plc for philanthropicleadership with the 2012 'Double I' award for influence in theindustry and impact in the community. Mike McGavick, CEO of XLGroup, accepted the award, which was presented by BrianDuperreault, president and CEO of Marsh & McLennanCompanies.

Hank Watkins, president of Lloyd's America, served as dinnerchair.

The IICF Northeast division makes its grants in the focus areasof education, children at risk, disaster preparedness, and theenvironment across the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut tri-statearea. The 16 grantees for 2012 is the highest number ever,surpassing the 2011 total of 15.

Each of the grants is for $50,000 or more:

• Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation.

• American Red Cross.

• buildOn

• The Central Harlem Initiative for Learning and Development,Inc.

• CityKids Foundation

• Community Mainstreaming Associates

• Covenant House New Jersey

• The Doe Fund

• Eden Autism Services

• Family Reach Foundation

• Friends of Karen, Inc.

• Harlem RBI

• Hudson River Sloop Clearwater

• The Joe Torre Safe At Home Foundation

• Metropolitan Hospital Center

• Mount Kisco Child Care Center