Trusted Choice Relief Fund Seeks Donations

The hurricane season ended Nov. 30, but the cleanup and recovery efforts from this year's storms continue and the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America is seeking donations to the Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund to provide disaster assistance to insurance industry representatives recovering from the storms.

“This fund is a great way to show our ongoing support as an industry for victims of disasters and to assist independent agents, industry colleagues and others during their greatest time of need,” pointed out Dave Evans, executive director of Trusted Choice. “As 2008 comes to a close, let's not forget those who lost their homes and businesses in one of the most destructive hurricane seasons in history.”

The Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund was established by the IIAA Educational Foundation of the Alexandria, Va.-based IIABA to assist those who have suffered losses due to natural or man-made disasters. All contributions are tax deductible.

“A permanent relief fund allows us to financially assist victims when and where a disaster strikes, rather than raising the funds after the fact when each second on the clock is so precious,” said Bob Rusbuldt, president and chief executive officer of the IIABA. “The Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund has distributed thousands of dollars across the country in some of the most hard-hit areas.”

The fund makes cash grants to IIABA members and their agency staffs and others in the insurance industry to pay for immediate or ongoing financial needs when other funding sources (such as insurance and other grants) are not available. The fund fills the gap until other funding sources can be accessed and provides insurance agents with supplies and resources to assist with disaster relief efforts to aid victims and surviving family members in their communities.

Contributions to the fund or grant applications can be made at www.independentagent.com. Click on “About Us” and then “Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund.”

Contributions can also be made by check, payable to the “Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund” and mailed to Attn: Lillian Carter, Trusted Choice Disaster Relief Fund, 127 S. Peyton St., Alexandria, Va. 22314.