(Re)insurance professionals' participation in Covenant House's "Sleep Out" on Sept. 25 raised over$440,000 for homeless youth of New York. Aimed at raising funds andawareness, the Sleep Out included more than 100 (re)insuranceprofessionals, including CEOs, who slept on the streets of NewYork, outside Covenant House, while more than 400 homeless youthslept safely indoors.

"I am so humbled and proud of this industry for coming togetherto make such a real impact in the lives of the homeless kids atCovenant House," says Andrew Bustillo, president and CEO of BMSIntermediaries Inc. and the board chair of Covenant HouseInternational. "The funds raised will make an immediatedifference, helping us not only to provide food, clothing andshelter, but also counseling, and job training. Just asimportant, it provides these great, courageous homeless kids withthe kind of family support that all kids need and deserve."

Michael Sapnar, president and CEO of Transatlantic Reinsurance,led his company to raise more than $50,000 for the youth atCovenant House. "More important than the money, moreimportant than simply writing a check, this sleep out doessomething amazing. It introduces us to these kids and the work ofCovenant House. Getting to meet and speak with the youthat Covenant House makes this a very specialexperience. Their courage is remarkable, and what theyovercome is inspiring" he says.

Meeting and listening to the kids is where the rubber meets theroad, says Mike Byrne, vice president of Strategic Alliances,Guardian Group Insurance. "It makes me grateful for the gifts I'vehad in my life. This sleep out is just a tiny glimpse of what thesekids go through and it leaves you awed and inspired that they areable to overcome such hardships and turn their lives around atCovenant House."

Covenant House's youth, 20-year-old Hanna says, "Bothmy parents were drug users. They first gave me alcohol when I wasthree. By age 13 I was living on the streets. I wouldcouch surf, sleep in coffee shops. My whole life was a battle onhow to get through the night."

"When I came to Covenant House I was beaten down by life," sheadds, "I felt hopeless and completely unloved, and not worthy oflove. I was confused. When I was offered three meals a day, I didnot know what to do. And when people asked me how I was doing, Igot angry. It took a few weeks, but I started to see thatCovenant House, and the people here, are all about encouragement,and family, and listening, and helping. It took a lot to put fiveyears of living on the streets behind me, but it started here."

Hanna is currently employed while attending college, with a 4.0GPA. "I had no dreams when I came [to Covenant House]," she says."Now I have dreams, and hope, and a plan. Thank all of you so muchfor being here tonight, for showing you care in such a unique way.We are so grateful you left your families and your lives on thisnight to help us. God bless you."

Companies that led the effort included Arch Insurance, Arch Re,Axis Re, BMS and Friends, CBIZ & Friends, Cigna HealthCare,Everest Re, Guardian Life, Guy Carpenter & Company, Holborn,Markel Global Insurance, Munich Re, Pioneer Special Risk,Reinsurance Under 40s, Third Point Re, TransRe, Willis Re Inc. andXL Catlin.

In addition, John Berger and Friends, Holborn and Arch Reprovided matching gift incentives that were instrumental insurpassing the fundraising goal.