The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities and enriching lives, raised $560,000 at its ninth annual Southeast Division Gala Celebration on Feb. 25. Originally scheduled for Feb. 18, IICF postponed the benefit by a week and opened a text-to-give donation drive in a time of need for communities in Texas 6 and neighboring states, raising in just a few days nearly $20,000 in personal donations for those impacted by the severe weather conditions.
The event, emceed by Kellie Rasberry, co-host of the YEA Networks’ nationally syndicated “The Kidd Kraddick Morning Show”, also featured Kirstie Ennis, founder of the Kirstie Ennis Foundation, a nonprofit organization which provides education and healing opportunities to underserved communities. Ennis was the recipient of the Pat Tillman Award for Service at the 2019 ESPYs and was inducted into the 2020 International Sports Hall of Fame. She shared inspiring remarks about overcoming challenges and the importance of creating opportunities for others to succeed.
With a theme of “Why you’re proud to be a part of the insurance industry”, the event focused on the many ways the insurance industry gives back. Speaking on this theme, Amanda Ruback, Managing Director, Dallas Region for AIG and IICF Southeast volunteer, said, “I’m proud of our industry because we help people take risks. I’m proud of our industry because we help make sure employees return safe at night. I’m proud of our industry because when disaster strikes, we’re right there to help make communities whole again.”
Proceeds from this year’s virtual event benefited IICF’s Southeast Community Grants Program, providing grant funding to regional nonprofits focused on at-risk children, disaster relief and preparedness, education and veterans. At the event, IICF’s Southeast Division announced 21 nonprofit grantees for 2021, all dedicated to improving lives and communities across the Southeast region. Since its founding, IICF’s Southeast Division has granted more than $5 million to over 160 nonprofits in the region.
“IICF is proud to provide critically needed support to those in need during these difficult times,” said Sarah Conway, IICF Southeast Division Executive Director. “With an ongoing pandemic, devastating winter storms and more impacting our region, we are grateful for the ongoing support of the insurance industry and to all those who attended and donated to help sustain our nonprofit grantees. IICF is truly honored to be a part of an industry so dedicated to giving back and making a positive and lasting impact in our local communities.”
The 2021 Southeast benefit event was generously supported by many industry sponsors, including:
- Presenting Sponsors: USAA, The Henry Family
- Premier Sponsor: Texas Mutual Insurance Company
- Platinum Sponsors: AmRisc, CNA, CRC Group, Dan Browning Family, Higginbotham, Liberty Mutual
To continue giving in the region, the IICF Southeast Fill the Truck regional food drive was launched the morning following the annual benefit event, with more than 2,500 pounds of food and $5,000 donated to Minnie’s Food Pantry in Dallas. The Southeast Fill the Truck food drive is a 12-month,12-city competition that supports local nonprofits addressing food insecurity.
For more information regarding IICF’s Southeast Division and to donate, please visit the IICF website or contact Sarah Conway at (214) 228-2910 or sconway@iicf.com.
The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF)
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 has served as the philanthropic foundation of the insurance industry for more than twenty-five years, contributing $42 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 social media: @doubleicf.