The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), a nonprofit that unites the collective strength of the insurance industry in helping communities and enriching lives, has announced that nearly $1.3 million was raised on Wednesday evening at its 12th annual Northeast Benefit Dinner to fund the IICF Northeast Division’s Community Grants Program. This includes nearly $65,000 raised through the text-to-give option during the dinner. IICF hosted 750 insurance professionals at the Sheraton Times Square Hotel in New York in an evening that included keynote addresses from celebrities and senior industry executives as philanthropy and charitable endeavors of the insurance industry were celebrated at ‘the dinner that gives back’.
This year’s event featured Audra McDonald, Tony, Grammy, Emmy Award-winning singer/actor, and Henrik Lundqvist, the New York Rangers record-breaking goaltender. Both delivered memorable speeches on the importance of giving back and personal involvement in the community. McDonald accepted an honorary grant on behalf of Covenant House International, a charitable organization she personally supports. Lundquist accepted a grant to the Henrik Lundqvist Foundation, founded by Lundqvist and his wife to create positive change in the lives of children and adults throughout the world through education and health services.
As a central part of this celebratory event, IICF awarded its annual “Double I” Award to HUB
International Limited for influence in the industry and impact in the community. The award was accepted by Richard A. Gulliver, Vice Chairman of HUB International Limited, on behalf of all HUB employees, following an introduction by Christopher M. Treanor, President Programs & Specialty, HUB International and 2018 Northeast Benefit Dinner Chair. “We are committed at HUB International to supporting many philanthropic causes and initiatives,” said Rick Gulliver. “I’m proud to accept this honor on behalf of the great people who participate in our company-wide charitable programs and do such outstanding work, giving creatively and passionately of their time and service, and connecting with our communities through meaningful and supportive experiences.”
All proceeds from the 2018 Benefit Dinner fund the IICF Northeast Division’s Community Grants
Program, which awards grants to regional charities that champion causes in the areas of education, at-risk children, the environment and disaster preparedness. “We’ve collectively contributed more than $8 million to our community over the past twelve years through the annual Northeast benefit dinners,” said Hank Watkins, President, Lloyd’s North America and Chair of the IICF Northeast Division Board. “The generosity of IICF board companies, sponsors and insurance industry supporters allows IICF to further the vital work of nonprofits who are on the ground in our community. Each of our grants is selected based on the impact of the work that they do, and the impact that our grant has on that work.”
The 22 recipients of 2018 IICF Community Grants in the Northeast Division, including 10 recipients of Local Community Grants, are as follows:
- The Ana Grace Project
- Boys Hope Girls Hope of New York
- Center for Safety & Change, Inc.
- Covenant House International
- Covenant House New Jersey
- The Henrik Lundqvist Foundation
- Life Line Chaplaincy, Inc.
- Mount Kisco Child Care Center
- Stoked Mentoring, Inc.
- Table to Table, Inc.
- Vanderheyden Hall
- Workforce Opportunities Services
Local Community Grants:
- Clear Path for Veterans
- Community Loan Fund of the Capital Region
- Filling in the Blanks
- Friends of the Outlet
- Helping Celebrate Abilities
- Hope’s Door
- Jewish Family Service of Greater New Haven
- Jewish Family Service of Orange County
- The Kortney Rose Foundation
- Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum
For more information please visit https://www.iicf.org/about-iicf/northeast-division.html
About the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF)
Celebrating twenty-five years of helping communities and enriching lives, together.
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is a unique nonprofit that unites the collective strengths of the insurance industry to help communities and enrich lives through grants, volunteer service and leadership. Established in 1994, IICF is celebrating twenty-five years as the philanthropic foundation of the insurance industry, contributing over $31 million in community grants, along with 300,000 volunteer hours by more than 110,000 industry professionals. IICF reinvests locally where funds are raised, serving hundreds of charities and nonprofit organizations, for maximum community impact. IICF is a registered nonprofit organization under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS code. Learn more at www.iicf.org or follow us on Twitter @doubleicf.