"This year's Southeast Benefit was a phenomenal success and a wonderful evening experiencing the generosity of our industry, sponsors, colleagues and friends," AIG General Insurance's Joe Connelly, chair of the IICF Southeast Division board of directors, said in a release. (Credit: Tartila/Shutterstock)

Insurance professionals from Texas and across the southeastern U.S. gathered at The Thompson Hotel in Dallas to help the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) raise $1 million during its 10th anniversary IICF Southeast Benefit Gala. Since 2012, the Southeast Division has given more than $5.5 million to over 250 organizations.

Display at the IICF Southeast Division Benefit Gala. (Credit: IICF) Display at the IICF Southeast Division Benefit Gala. (Credit: IICF)

Proceeds from the event, which was held Feb. 24, 2022, will go to the IICF Southeast Community Grants Program, which supports charities in the region focused on children at risk, education, disaster relief and veterans, IICF reported.

"We are privileged to support nonprofit organizations that are tackling some of the most crucial needs in our communities, as we form effective partnerships to help serve our neighbors in need," Sarah Conway, executive director of the IICF Southeast Division, said in a statement. "Through the humbling generosity of IICF supporters last year, we were also able to deliver more than 90,000 meals through our first Fill the Truck food drive campaign in eleven cities. Special thanks to all who donated goods at our gala to kick off our 2022 food drive to help feed the hungry."

Houser receives leadership award

In addition to raising funds for charity, IICF used the event to give its 2022 Philanthropic Leadership Award to Wendy Houser, chief territory officer, west, for Markel Corp. The award recognizes "philanthropic excellence in the community and within the insurance industry," according to the IICF.

Markel Corp.'s Wendy Houser holds up her 2022 Philanthropic Leadership Award during the IICF Southeast Division Benefit Gala. She is pictured here with Bryan Sanders, president, U.S. insurance, Markel Corp., who presented her the award during the event. (Credit: IICF) Markel Corp.'s Wendy Houser holds up her 2022 Philanthropic Leadership Award during the IICF Southeast Division Benefit Gala. She is pictured here with Bryan Sanders, president, U.S. insurance, Markel Corp., who presented her the award during the event. (Credit: IICF)

Houser is a current board member of the Wholesale Specialty Insurance Association and president of the National Insurance Industry Council for City of Hope, a not-for-profit clinical research center. Prior to her more than 20 years in insurance, she served as a hospital corpsman in the U.S. Navy, according to IICF.

"This year's Southeast Benefit was a phenomenal success and a wonderful evening experiencing the generosity of our industry, sponsors, colleagues and friends," AIG General Insurance's Joe Connelly, chair of the IICF Southeast Division board of directors, said in a release. "Honoring philanthropic leaders and celebrating all those in our industry who make giving back a priority, helping children, families and veterans in need, is made possible through our united work through IICF."

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