The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) had another record fundraising year at its 13th annual Northeast Benefit Dinner on Dec. 11, raising $1.14 million for its grant program, supporting non-profits and charitable organizations in the New York tri-state area. More than $9 million has been granted to local nonprofit and charitable organizations through IICF's benefit dinners since 2007. The event was attended by over 700 insurance professionals who helped IICF raise $1.14 million through admission sales and its text-to-give program.

Honoring philanthropic leaders in the insurance industry

As a highlight of the annual benefit dinner, IICF awarded its "Double I" Award to Markel Corporation. This annual award recognizes an organization that has served as a philanthropic leader through its "influence" in the insurance industry and "impact" in the community. Anthony F. Markel, Vice Chairman of Markel, accepted the award on behalf of the company. "At Markel, we have a role as corporate citizens to support our communities," said Anthony Markel. "From top to bottom, we believe that all successful companies have a philanthropic responsibility to prioritize the health of their communities. Receiving the "Double I" award from IICF is an honor and recognition of our commitment to serve those around us. We hope our efforts will inspire the next generation of insurance leaders to put their communities first." The event also featured two speakers from Operation Healing Forces (OHF), a non-profit founded by Anthony Markel's brother, Gary Markel, that works to serve the needs of our active-duty and recent-veteran wounded, ill and injured Special Operations Forces (SOF) and their spouses. Staff Sergeant Vince Mizerek and Heather Mizerek spoke on behalf of OHF as recipients of its services, and emphasized the importance of the work the organization provides to military families. OHF's mission is to provide emotional and physical support to active duty and recent-veteran wounded, ill and injured Specials Operations Forces and their spouses has positively impacted countless people and families everywhere. Operational Healing Forces was presented with a special grant from IICF. In total, IICF's Northeast Division designated grant funds to 22 non-profit and charitable organizations in 2019. See also:

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