The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation Northeast division made its largest-ever distribution of charitable grants at its sixth annual benefit dinner this week handing out $960,000.
David Brinkman, chairman of the IICF Northeast division board and executive managing director of Aon Benfield, reported that the division has now distributed grants totaling more than $3.7 million since the first event in 2007.
"In one of the most challenging times ever for our region and for the insurance industry, it is heartening and inspiring that the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation has been able to make such a significant financial contribution to tri-state communities," stated Brinkman. "IICF serves as a rallying point for the generous giving of individuals and companies in our industry. The IICF's volunteer leaders applaud the commitment and community spirit of so many in our industry. We thank everyone who contributed for their outstanding support."
More than 1,000 insurance industry leaders attended the IICF charity event, held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
Speakers and presenters included:
• Paula Zahn, award-winning journalist and host and executive producer of "On the Case with Paula Zahn" and as a co-host of WNET's "NYC-ARTS."
• Joe Torre of Major League Baseball, accepting a grant for the Joe Torre Safe at Home Foundation.
• Mark Teixeira of the New York Yankees, accepting a grant for Harlem RBI.
The IICF also honored XL Group plc for philanthropic leadership with the 2012 'Double I' award for influence in the industry and impact in the community. Mike McGavick, CEO of XL Group, accepted the award, which was presented by Brian Duperreault, president and CEO of Marsh & McLennan Companies.
Hank Watkins, president of Lloyd's America, served as dinner chair.
The IICF Northeast division makes its grants in the focus areas of education, children at risk, disaster preparedness, and the environment across the New York-New Jersey-Connecticut tri-state area. 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
