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

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

Prior to the dinner, the IICF’s grant committee, made up ofvolunteers from the insurance industry affiliated with IICF, spendnearly 7 months reviewing, visiting and interviewing grantprospects. The outcome is the selection of the large grants thatwill be awarded from the proceeds of the dinner.

“It is an extremely difficult job because every applicant isdeserving,” reports Betsy Myatt, IICF Northeast Division ExecutiveDirector. “The potential impact of the grant is a primary factor inmaking the determination.”

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

“We know that early education can bring children out of povertyand into a bright future. No child in America should bedeprived 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 evenhunger. The Children’s Health Fund addresses all of this andmore.”

Related: IICF's Media Roundtable showcases its charitablecontributions in 2016 and initiatives for 2017

Another recipient of last year and this year’s dinner grantfunding is the Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC.) The IICFNortheast Division’s grant focus areas are education, help forchildren at risk, disaster preparedness, and the environment. Mostoften 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 IICFgrant is important: https://vimeo.com/203170705 (password: IICF-2017)

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

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

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

Children’s Health Fund delivers high-quality healthcare to America’s most disadvantaged children. They developinnovative and comprehensive models, reduce health barriers tolearning, address the needs of vulnerable children in times ofpublic health crisis, and advocate for the health and well-being ofchildren.

Mount Kisco Child Care Center (MKCCC) is achildcare facility serving families in Northern Westchester since1971. MKCCC provides exceptional and affordable early care andeducation to a diverse group of children from three months toeleven years of age. Experienced and professional teachers, aninnovative curriculum, unique programs, such as the JEWELIntergenerational Program and Feed Me Fresh, its garden-to-table,sustainable nutrition program, and a state of the art facilitycontribute to creating an exceptional early childhood educationexperience.

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

Related: IICF's new Philadelphia chapter announces inauguralfundraising event

About the IICF Northeast Annual BenefitDinner

On Wednesday, December 13, 2017, 1,000 insurance executives andprofessionals are expected to again attend the largest fundraiserof the year for the IICF Northeast Division.

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

This year IICF is honoring Ryan Specialty Group for theirbusiness 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 MarianoRivera, former pitcher for the New York Yankees and founder of theMariano Rivera Foundation; and Gayle King, co-host of “CBS ThisMorning” and Editor-at-Large of O, the Oprah Magazine. Both ofthese featured guests will be accepting grants on behalf of theirfavorite charities.

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

Related: IICF's disaster relief funds to assist victims ofhurricanes