Does support of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s (IICF) Annual Benefit in New York really make a difference? Take a minute to hear from a beneficiary of a grant from the dinner’s proceeds to find out: https://vimeo.com/203170888 (password: IICF-2017)

Every year, nearly 1,000 people attend this popular industry event that will be held this year on Wednesday, December 13 at the Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel.

Prior to the dinner, the IICF’s grant committee, made up of volunteers from the insurance industry affiliated with IICF, spend nearly 7 months reviewing, visiting and interviewing grant prospects. The outcome is the selection of the large grants that will be awarded from the proceeds of the dinner.

“It is an extremely difficult job because every applicant is deserving,” reports Betsy Myatt, IICF Northeast Division Executive Director. “The potential impact of the grant is a primary factor in making the determination.”

“This year, we selected the Children’s Health Fund’s Healthy and Ready to Learn project for funding because of its potential to change lives as well as to improve the community,” states Kevin McGill, IICF Northeast Grant Committee Chair and Sr. Vice President, Frenkel & Company.

“We know that early education can bring children out of poverty and into a bright future. No child in America should be deprived of success in school and life because of health barriers. Some solutions are as simple as having proper dental care, resolving hearing and vision issues, controlling asthma – and even hunger. The Children’s Health Fund addresses all of this and more.”

Another recipient of last year and this year’s dinner grant funding is the Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC.) The IICF Northeast Division’s grant focus areas are education, help for children at risk, disaster preparedness, and the environment. Most often education and help for at-risk children are tied together, and that is the case with MKCCC.

MKCCC’s Executive Director, Dawn Meyerski, tells why the IICF grant is important: https://vimeo.com/203170705 (password: IICF-2017)

“We selected the Mount Kisco program for funding because it is excellent and unique. One aspect that is groundbreaking is the intersection of their early childhood program with their older adult day care program – which is a joy to experience. Without the IICF grants, children in poverty would not have access to this high-quality early education program,” reports McGill.

The answer to the question “Does support of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s (IICF) Annual Benefit in New York, really make a difference?” is a resounding yes.

About Children’s Health Fund and Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC)

Children’s Health Fund delivers high-quality health care to America’s most disadvantaged children. They develop innovative and comprehensive models, reduce health barriers to learning, address the needs of vulnerable children in times of public health crisis, and advocate for the health and well-being of children.

Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC) is a childcare facility serving families in Northern Westchester since 1971. MKCCC provides exceptional and affordable early care and education to a diverse group of children from three months to eleven years of age. Experienced and professional teachers, an innovative curriculum, unique programs, such as the JEWEL Intergenerational Program and Feed Me Fresh, its garden-to-table, sustainable nutrition program, and a state of the art facility contribute to creating an exceptional early childhood education experience.

MKCCC is grateful for IICF’s ongoing support and generosity. Together, we continue to make the difference in the life of a child when it counts the most, in the early years.

About the IICF Northeast Annual Benefit Dinner

On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, 1,000 insurance executives and professionals are expected to again attend the largest fundraiser of the year for the IICF Northeast Division.

Last year, $1.4 million was raised to fund 29 grants to nonprofits and charities in the tri-state area. More than $7.5 million has been raised over the past ten years for regional nonprofits.

This year IICF is honoring Ryan Specialty Group for their business and philanthropic leadership with the IICF “Double I” Award for influence in the industry and impact in the community. The award will be accepted by Patrick G. Ryan, founder, chairman, and CEO of Ryan Specialty Group.

Other highlights include featured celebrity speakers Mariano Rivera, former pitcher for the New York Yankees and founder of the Mariano Rivera Foundation; and Gayle King, co-host of “CBS This Morning” and Editor-at-Large of O, the Oprah Magazine. Both of these featured guests will be accepting grants on behalf of their favorite charities.

To reserve your seat for the December 13 Benefit Dinner, call (347) 545-1579, or visit their website.

Special Reports /

IICF to honor Ryan Specialty Group at annual benefit dinner

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