Impact
The Insurance
Industry’s Contribution
to Community
Development
I.I.I. Members
ACE USA
ACUITY
AEGIS Insurance Services Inc.
Allianz of America, Inc.
Allied World Assurance Company
Allstate Insurance Group
ALPS
American Agricultural Insurance Company
American Family Insurance
American Integrity Insurance Company
American International Group
American Reliable Insurance
Amerisafe
Amerisure Insurance
Arch Insurance Group
Argo Group
Arthur J. Gallagher
Beacon Mutual
BITCO Insurance Companies
Canal Insurance
Catholic Mutual Group
Catlin U.S.
Century Surety Company
Chesapeake Employers Insurance
Chubb Group of Insurance Companies
Church Mutual Insurance Company
CNA
The Concord Group
COUNTRY Financial
Crawford & Company
The Crichton Group
CSAA Insurance Group, a AAA Insurer
CUMIS Insurance Society, Inc.
Dryden Mutual Insurance Company
EMC Insurance Companies
Enumclaw Insurance Group
Erie Insurance Group
Farm Bureau Insurance of Missouri
Farmers Group, Inc.
FM Global
GEICO
Gen Re
Germania Insurance
Grange Insurance Association
Grange Insurance Group
GuideOne Insurance
The Hanover Insurance Group Inc.
The Harford Mutual Insurance Cos.
The Hartford Financial Services Group
The Horace Mann Companies
Ironshore Insurance Ltd.
Kemper Corporation
Liberty Mutual Group
Lloyd’s
Lockton Companies
Magna Carta Companies
MAPFRE Insurance
Marsh Inc.
MEMIC
MetLife Auto & Home
Michigan Millers Mutual Ins. Co.
Millville Mutual Insurance Company
Missouri Employers Mutual Insurance
MMG
MMIC
Motorists Insurance Group
Munich Re
Nationwide
New York Central Mutual Fire Ins. Co.
The Norfolk & Dedham Group
Ohio Mutual Insurance Group
OneBeacon Insurance Group
PartnerRe
Pennsylvania Lumbermens Mutual
Insurance Company
Providence Mutual Fire Insurance Co.
QBE Regional Insurance
Scor U.S. Corporation
SECURA Insurance Companies
Selective Insurance Group
State Auto Insurance Companies
State Compensation Ins. Fund of CA
State Farm Mutual Automobile Ins.Co.
The Sullivan Group
Swiss Reinsurance America Corporation
Travelers
USAA
Utica National Insurance Group
Westfield Group
W. R. Berkley Corporation
Willis
XL America Group
Zurich North America
Our Industry Cares
O
ur industry often writes checks in support of worthy causes, but it also puts shoes on
kids’ feet, opens public libraries and provides school supplies – some of the programs
featured in this issue.
Studies indicate that children who enjoy access to library services score higher in
reading tests and enjoy higher literacy rates. The Hanover Insurance Group’s charitable
foundation has been instrumental in enabling library transformations in the company’s
hometown. The One City-One Library program has now opened three of four planned
branch libraries in public elementary schools.
Fireman’s Fund was the financial services sponsor for the world premiere of Disney’s
PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE, which took place at Hollywood’s El Capitan Theatre earlier this
year. The company, understanding that funding challenges have left many fire departments without adequate resources, also presented a $25,000 grant to the Los Angeles Fire
Department at the film’s world premiere.
The discomfort of cold and/or wet feet, or shoes that are too small, distracts from the
ability to learn. Providing shoes through its Shoes 4 School (S4S) program, Ohio Mutual
hopes to help raise kids who will have the knowledge, the passion and the ability to change
the world.
Held every July, Horace Mann’s “Stuff the Bus” campaign has provided school supplies
to students in need. The goal each year is to stuff a school bus full of donations in time for
the coming school year.
With the health and wellness of community children in mind, the Utica National
Group Foundation created the Utica National Kids’ Run in July 1989. Tens of thousands of
children from around the country have participated in this free event over the years.
While many teen driver safety programs engage in scare tactics designed to frighten
teens with the possibility of bad outcomes, State Farm’s Celebrate My Drive® program takes
a unique approach. By celebrating with and encouraging new drivers as they earn their
licenses, the company is working to combat the distracted driving behaviors that undermine teen driver safety.
And Westfield employees show how much they care throughout the year by partnering
with Habitat for Humanity, Feeding America, Junior Achievement and Rebuilding Together,
in addition to holding donation drives for school supplies, canned food and holiday gifts.
Also, like many others in this industry, I did my part to support the ALS association by
taking the ice bucket challenge this past summer! As always, we’d love to hear from you.
Robert P. Hartwig, Ph.D., CPCU
President, Insurance Information Institute
Inside:
Celebrate My Drive®..............................................................................................................3
Building Public Libraries to Bridge Schools and Neighborhoods.........................................4
Warming Soles.......................................................................................................................6
Employees ‘Stuff The Bus’ For Students In Need .................................................................8
Commitment to Healthy Children ....................................................................................10
Grant Program Supports True Life Heroes..........................................................................12
WeCare®...............................................................................................................................14
Taking the Challenge...........................................................................................................16
Winter 2014/15 Vol. 20 No. 2 Impact is published by the Insurance Information Institute, 110 William Street,
New York, N.Y. 10038; 212-346-5500. Editor: Diane Portantiere; ©2015
Insurance Information Institute, www.iii.org
On the cover: Author Matt Tavares reads his story about Babe Ruth to students from the Goddard School of Science &
Technology in Worcester, Massachusetts. Photo courtesy of The Hanover Insurance Group.
Celebrate My Drive®
D
o you remember the day you
new drivers as they earn their licenses,
got your driver’s license?
State Farm is working to combat the
The anticipation of the test,
distracted driving behaviors that
My Drive offers millions of dollars in
undermine teen driver safety.
grants to high schools and a chance
the joy of passing it and the thrill of
exploring the road ahead? For most
Celebrate My Drive inspires new
for teens to win two concerts featuring
teens, it’s a day they’ll never forget.
teen drivers to think 2n2®: 2 eyes on
a chart-topping music artist to play for
the road, 2 hands on the wheel. From
their schools.
Getting a driver’s license is one
of the greatest joys in life, but accord-
there, teens can enjoy the excitement
ing to research conducted by the
of the road ahead and focus on where
schools registered to participate in
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia,
it will take them.
Celebrate My Drive across North
car crashes remain the number one
“Through Celebrate My Drive,
In 2014, more than 3,300 high
America with 6.1 million safe driving
killer of teens across North America.
State Farm is sharing the belief that
commitments made online in con-
And the first year behind the wheel is
safe driving is a lifelong commitment
junction with National Teen Driver
the most dangerous.
from the start,” said Public Affairs
Safety Week last October.
As the nation’s leading auto
Manager Kelly Dunkerley. “We’re
One hundred winning schools
insurer, State Farm® is committed to
bringing communities together to rally
shared $3.25 million in grants and
preventing teen crashes, reducing
around young drivers and encourage
two grand prize winning high schools
injuries and saving lives through an
them to make safe driving choices
also won private concerts by Grammy-
innovative, award-winning program
every time they’re behind the wheel.
nominated The Band Perry for their
“The 2N2 message is gaining
students. Students at Wayne County
called Celebrate My Drive®.
While many teen driver safety
momentum and thousands of stu-
High School in Jesup, Georgia, and
programs engage in scare tactics
dents, families and school officials
Cascade High School in Cascade, Iowa,
designed to frighten teens with the
have joined the conversation. We’re
celebrated victories as grand prize
possibility of bad outcomes, Celebrate
looking forward to putting the pro-
winners.
My Drive takes a unique approach.
gram into overdrive this year.”
Photos courtesy of State Farm.
By celebrating with and encouraging
Now in its fourth year, Celebrate
“Celebrate My Drive was a great
experience for our school,” said Austin
Tanner, a student at Wayne County
High School. “I’m so proud of our
entire community for coming together
continued on page 16
2N2: 2 eyes on the road,
2 hands on the wheel.
3
Building Public Libraries
to Bridge Schools and
Neighborhoods
T
of Science & Technology in
that children who enjoy access to
At Goddard School of Science &
Worcester, Massachusetts, had
library services and school-based
Technology, that investment has
gone without a staffed, fully-functional
librarians score higher in standardized
contributed to a transformed oasis
library for 12 years. Outdated books
reading tests and enjoy higher literacy
with over 9,000 children’s and teen
filled a well-worn room. There were
rates. In Worcester, the second larg-
books, 25 iPads, five computers,
no formal procedures for students to
est city in the six-state New England
two electronic literacy stations, a
sign out books, and no paid staff. But,
region, even the public library system
SmartBoard and extensive interior
through an innovative public/private
had been operating only two branch
renovations.
partnership, the school’s students,
libraries, down from a total of eight.
he Goddard Elementary School
teachers, parents, and even the com-
“We have a big stake in the suc-
the libraries in their communities.
Partner companies include local
security system contractors who have
munity at-large now have access to
cess of our schools and students, as do
helped with the installation of the
desperately needed library services at
our community partners,” said Paul A.
necessary security systems and pro-
the newly named Worcester Public
Belsito, president of The Hanover
tocols designed to meet the needs of
Library-Goddard Elementary School
Insurance Group Foundation. “The
each individual building. University of
Branch — a public library branch
One City-One Library initiative cre-
Massachusetts Medical School, Harvard
located in the elementary school
ates exciting opportunities for our
Pilgrim Health Care, local general and
building.
schools and our students to excel,
electrical contractors, paint companies
while providing families with impor-
and furniture stores are also involved.
of the Worcester Public Library
tant resources that reinforce a love of
Library professional staff is being fund-
Foundation, The Hanover Insurance
books and learning, and helps make
ed with payments-in-lieu of taxes by
Group’s charitable foundation has
our community a better place in which
several of Worcester’s 12 colleges and
been instrumental in enabling elemen-
to live, work and learn.”
universities.
As a major corporate supporter
tary school library transformations in
The Hanover Insurance Group
the city The Hanover calls home. The
has a long history of working with
dent of Worcester Public Schools,
One City-One Library program has
local partners to lead positive change
believes the focus and enthusiasm of
now opened three of four planned
in the communities where employees
the broad community partnership will
branch libraries in public elementary
live and work — and places a special
help take literacy to the next level.
schools. The Goddard Elementary
emphasis on the issues of education
“My goal as superintendent is to con-
School branch also now serves as the
and youth, which it sees as the
nect every elementary school with
library for 7th and 8th grade students
keys to building strong and vibrant
access to library services and materials,
from nearby University Park Campus
communities.
while allowing principals and teachers
School, which does not have a library.
4
National studies indicate clearly
The Hanover’s involvement in
Dr. Melinda Boone, superinten-
to focus on strong literacy skills and
Mobile libraries are helping to serve
One City-One Library has spanned a
the remaining elementary schools
$100,000 donation for infrastructure
in a city where nearly 60 percent of
and hundreds of volunteer hours
economists have drawn a direct con-
students in public schools fail to read
to transform the physical spaces
nection between investments in early
proficiently by third grade.
and execute programs that engrain
childhood education to improved
grade-level reading.”
Some of the country’s leading
graduation rates, better job skills,
Branch, for example, a community
increased home ownership and
health information center, pre-school
School library, Principal Kendall
reduced crime. Furthermore, studies
and teen reading sections and a regu-
Grigg said, “Today is a great day for
have confirmed that having books at
lar schedule of events have created a
our school and our community. The
home is a clear predictor of reading
vibrant hub of activity in the neigh-
idea of opening a public library in
and long-term academic achievement.
borhoods served. A recent Wednesday
an elementary school is a shining
By offering access to the gen-
afternoon story time brought 80 chil-
example to our students of how much
eral public during off-school hours,
dren and adults to build a renewed
can be achieved with hard work,
Worcester’s new school-based public
appreciation for reading.
vision and great partnerships.”
libraries provide local families with
Early success is evident. In the
initial year of operations, the first
ing and nurture a love of books at
three school-based public library
home. At the new Worcester Public
branches have loaned out 86,333
Library-Goddard Elementary School
books and other items, hosted 1,288
That’s a life lesson everyone can
appreciate. n
Photos courtesy of The Hanover Insurance Group.
valuable resources to encourage read-
At the opening of the Goddard
class visits for 26,313 students,
welcomed 115,547 patrons, and issued
more than 1,500 new library cards.
Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty
These results are exceeding expecta-
cuts the ribbon of the Worcester
tions and fueling ideas to continue
Public Library-Goddard Branch.
the positive momentum.
5
Warming Soles
I
t was a brisk winter morning
executive office at Ohio Mutual,
distributed to students in four schools
several years ago as Ohio Mutual
oversees Shoes 4 School. She says
in Crawford County, Ohio.
president and CEO Jim Kennedy
the program was developed with two
made his daily commute to the Home
Office. Frost framed the corners of his
“First and foremost, we wanted
son (an Ohio Mutual associate). Our
liaisons not only support the schools
windshield as he saw a group of chil-
to address the need of children in the
and ensure the proper number of gift
dren walking to school. Huddling for
schools,” said Irvin. “Second, we want-
cards are distributed; they also pro-
warmth, some wore coats and snow
ed to make sure that it was something
vide insights that help us measure
boots; others wore thin t-shirts and
that would be easy for the schools to
the effectiveness of the program. We
worn tennis shoes. The sight of these
implement. That’s why our team of
encourage regular feedback so we can
children made an impact on Kennedy,
associates and superintendents decided
continually improve Shoes 4 School,”
who decided that something had to be
to use gift cards instead of purchasing
said Irvin.
done.
shoes in advance. Gift cards are given
Kelly Ard, sales administrative
“Kids can’t focus on learning
to the guidance counselors, who can
coordinator at Ohio Mutual, serves as
when their basic needs are not met —
then purchase the right pair of shoes
a liaison to one of the schools.
when they are hungry or cold,” said
for the child.”
Kennedy. “We saw a need in our com-
According to Irvin, the gift card
“The school has been extremely
appreciative of S4S. They have told
munity and decided we needed to
system helps tailor the program for
me that being able to help the kids
step up.”
each child and also helps maintain
would not be possible without dona-
In response, Ohio Mutual devel-
privacy between the guidance coun-
tions like this from Ohio Mutual. It’s
oped a program in 2011 called Shoes
selor and the student. The planning
evident they are passionate about
4 School (S4S), in an effort to help
committee set a condition that shoes
doing whatever needs to be done to
schoolchildren like the ones Kennedy
should be purchased locally, if pos-
make sure the kids have a chance at a
saw that cold morning.
sible, to support local small business
good education without distractions.
owners. The number of gift cards a
I know our Shoes 4 School program is
devised, a team of Ohio Mutual
school receives each year is deter-
definitely helping to accomplish that
associates met with area school super-
mined by federal statistics that reflect
goal,” said Ard.
Once the program concept was
intendents to determine how to most
the poverty level of each school’s stu-
effectively help children in need of
dent body.
warm shoes. The group concluded that
Shoes 4 School was originally
Holly Keller, a social worker at
Buckeye Central Schools in New
Washington, Ohio, agrees with Ard.
S4S should be managed by the school
piloted in one school in Bucyrus,
She says the program is important
guidance counselors who work directly
Ohio, Ohio Mutual’s hometown. Since
because “there is nothing better than
with the children.
the program’s inception, more than
giving back.”
Sharon Irvin, manager to the
6
main priorities.
“Each school is assigned a liai-
400 pairs of shoes have been discretely
“The discomfort of cold and/or
Photo courtesy of Ohio Mutual.
Here are some of the some of the
for a long time, or have had hand-
dinates community initiatives and
thank you notes sent to Ohio Mutual
me-downs for so long — for them, a
charitable efforts for the company. He
from children who received new
new pair of shoes is a huge deal,” said
says that Shoes 4 School is an ideal fit
shoes.
Keller. “Our school district is truly
for the vision of Ohio Mutual’s corpo-
thankful for each pair, and especially
rate giving plan.
for the smiles we see when the kids
wet feet, or shoes that are too small,
distracts from the ability to learn,”
have the shoes on their feet.”
Going forward, Irvin says that
“Our corporate giving plan is
designed to maximize our charitable
impact,” said Boyer. “We strive to
said Keller. “There are a lot of pro-
Ohio Mutual plans to continue,
be as generous, as intentional and
grams that provide coats, hats and
improve, and hopefully expand the
as focused as possible. While we are
gloves, but nothing for shoes. Shoes
program.
involved with larger efforts in our
4 School fills a need that some don’t
think of, yet is truly needed.”
Keller said her school plans to
“I’ve enjoyed seeing Shoes 4
communities, Shoes 4 School is a
School grow,” said Irvin. “It’s really a
strong demonstration of our values as
team effort between our associates and
a company.”
purchase approximately 30 pairs of
the schools. I’ve kept all of the thank
shoes this year. Though the number
you notes and cards that we have
of shoes varies by need each year, the
received — they are a reminder of the
“Our goal as a community is to
response is consistently positive.
real impact these shoes have made in
raise kids who will have the knowl-
these children’s lives.”
edge, the passion and the ability to
“One student recently gave me
a hug and said it was his first pair
Todd Boyer, assistant vice presi-
Ultimately, S4S is about the children.
change the world,” said Keller. “This
of really good shoes. Many of our
dent of Ohio Mutual’s Corporate
program changes their world — by
students have not had shoes that fit
Communications department, coor-
simply providing shoes.” n
7
Employees ‘Stuff The Bus’
For Students In Need
W
hen your primary market
is educators, it becomes
second nature to take on
causes that impact the daily lives of
teachers. For instance, The Horace
Mann Companies’ annual “Stuff
the Bus” school supply drive helps
an insurance company Founded by
Educators for Educators® make a
difference close to home.
Held every July, Horace Mann’s
“Stuff the Bus” campaign has provided
school supplies for 10 years to students
in need in Springfield, Illinois, where
the company is headquartered. The
goal each year is to, quite literally,
stuff a school bus full of donations
in time for the coming school year.
Horace Mann collects donations from
employees and the community, and
Horace Mann volunteers sort school
Springfield Public Schools District #186
Mann Educator Advisory Panel survey
supplies donated to Springfield
ensures supplies reach those students
on funding for classroom supplies
School District #186.
who most need them.
indicate, the need for school supplies
According to Paul Wappel,
is a national concern. According to the
director, community relations,
survey, 53 percent of educators ques-
and chairperson of Horace Mann’s
tioned reported recent cuts to school
Wappel said. “If we do something
Community Relations Council, the
supply budgets, and 90 percent use
to help alleviate this worry of com-
idea for “Stuff the Bus” came from
their own money to fund supplies. Of
ing up with enough school supplies
employees who, while accustomed to
that number, 77 percent spend more
for the classroom, particularly in the
assisting educators across the country
than $100 per year out-of-pocket. The
hometown of our headquarters, then
with their insurance needs, wanted to
Educator Advisory Panel consists of
hopefully we’re enabling teachers to
do something to help teachers in their
more than 1,500 educators from across
focus more on what they do best —
own community.
the country (predominantly public
teaching our children.”
“Supporting the educational com-
K-12 teachers) who are surveyed peri-
Wappel said Horace Mann’s “Stuff
munity is something that’s in this
odically by Horace Mann on a variety
the Bus” campaign runs internally
company’s DNA,” said Wappel. “So,
of educational issues.
for a couple of weeks during which
it makes sense for us to do outreach
8
As the results from a 2013 Horace
“Our research clearly indicates
employees are encouraged to bring
programs like ‘Stuff the Bus’ for the
funding for classroom supplies is an
newly purchased school supplies to
teachers in our own backyard.”
increasing concern for educators,”
work and drop them off in donation
Photos courtesy of Horace Mann.
Horace Mann employees fill a school bus
with school supplies
from their “Stuff the
Bus” drive.
bins. The campaign
concludes with
a one-day community outreach
promoted by local
media outlets.
“On the last
day for employee
donations, we load
up everything onto
a bus provided
by the school district,” Wappel said.
“Then, we park
it on the lot of a
large retail store
where we hold our
community-wide
event, usually on
a Saturday. Once
we’ve made our
best effort to stuff
the bus, Horace Mann volunteers
of them, and if I can help in any way
student in our district is essential to
deliver the donated items to the
brighten their day through volunteer-
a successful start of the school year,”
school district’s warehouse.”
ing, it is well worth it.”
Gill said. “Horace Mann’s leadership
As a member of Horace Mann’s
Wappel said this year’s “Stuff the
in hosting a ‘Stuff the Bus’ campaign
Community Relations Council, Holly
Bus” campaign was the most success-
closes that gap for students across
Orr, manager, financial controls,
ful one to date. “This was the first year
our system.”
helped collect last summer’s “Stuff
we expanded our program to accept
the Bus” donations and deliver them
cash donations from employees, and it
generosity, Superintendent Gill said
to the district. “I have visited some
really made a huge difference,” he said.
more teachers in her district can
schools with high poverty levels
“The campaign has really become a
focus on ensuring all students in their
and have seen firsthand how scarce
rallying point for employees every sum-
care start the school year on a level
resources can be,” she said. “The chil-
mer as the school year approaches.”
playing field. “By giving students the
dren in these schools don’t have many
Springfield Public Schools
tools and supplies they need, teachers
And thanks to Horace Mann’s
opportunities to feel special. Even
Superintendent Jennifer Gill said
can concentrate on teaching, and stu-
though someone’s contribution may
Horace Mann’s annual school supply
dents can focus on the important task
only be a backpack or a notebook,
drive helps fill an important need in
of learning,” she said. “We applaud
these things can really help children
her district. “Getting school supplies
Horace Mann and their continued
understand other people are thinking
in the hands of each and every
support for educational outreach.”n
9
Commitment to
Healthy Children
T
he Utica National Group
event, we feel that the Foundation’s
unteer at the event. “The co-chairs of
Foundation was formed
mission has been well fulfilled.”
the Utica National Kids’ Run spend
in 1988 in New Hartford,
a lot of their personal time in the
New York, just before Utica Mutual
sole sponsor since the Kids’ Run incep-
months leading up to the event to
Insurance celebrated its seventy-fifth
tion where there were 200 participants
make sure everything is organized
anniversary. While the company had
between the ages of four and twelve.
for a safe experience that enhances
always been a good corporate citizen
Tens of thousands of children from
our local community and makes a
in the region regardless of the eco-
around the country have participated
difference in the lives of these kids.
nomic climate, the formation of this
in this free event over the years
We couldn’t be more proud of our
foundation allowed the company to
with 1,800 partaking in 2014. It is
employee and retiree volunteers who
expand its philanthropic endeavors.
expected that there will be just as
make this all happen.”
In the quarter-century-plus since then,
many kids taking part in the July 2015
the Foundation has made grants total-
event as well.
ing more than $6 million to hundreds
The Utica National Kids’ Run is
Throughout the years, the kids
have had the privilege of running with
some famous athletes and celebrities
of agencies and projects in Central
organized through a large volunteer
including four-time Boston Marathon
New York and the regions where the
force of over 200 each year. Co-chairs
and New York City Marathon cham-
company has offices.
Dennis Brenon and Jon Perry lead
pion Bill Rodgers, Olympic marathon
The Utica National Group
a group of employees, retirees, fam-
gold medalist Frank Shorter, New York
Foundation pays particular attention
ily members and friends to put on a
City Marathon champion Kathrine
to requests that support the healthy
safe, fun event for the kids. The event
Switzer, Miami Marathon wheelchair
development of children and families
takes place on the grounds of Mohawk
race winner Hermin Garic, and Biggest
and that address the root cause(s)
Valley Community College, where the
Loser season 14 winner Danni Allen.
of social problems. With the health
Health and Wellness Expo and Packet
and wellness of community children
Pick Up for the Boilermaker Road Race
when he or she registers for an event.
in mind, the Utica National Group
take place.
The distance of the course is deter-
Foundation created the Utica National
Many volunteers have been
Each child gets an event T-shirt
mined by the age groups. Children
Kids’ Run in July of 1989 in con-
involved with the event for more than
with special needs (ages four to six-
junction with the world-renowned
a decade, including Utica National
teen) complete a quarter-mile course
Boilermaker 15K and 5K Road Races in
Insurance Chairman of the Board and
as do the four to six year olds. Kids
Utica, New York.
CEO Doug Robinson and President
who are seven and eight years old
and COO Richard Creedon. Robinson
complete a half-mile course. Kids nine
National Kids’ Run during Boilermaker
is the official starter and Creedon
and ten move up to a three-quarter-
weekend allows children of all abili-
assists in organizing the refreshment
mile course and the oldest kids at
ties the chance to try a road race,
tent, greeting each of the finishers as
eleven and twelve years of age com-
many for the very first time,” said
they complete the course.
plete a full mile.
“Participating in the Utica
Doug Robinson, Utica National Group
10
The Foundation has served as the
“We are fortunate to have such
When the kids have completed
Foundation President. “As we see
dedicated volunteers who have par-
the same kids coming back year after
ticipated in the event every year,”
ment tent where they get water,
year until they are old enough to par-
said Utica National Group Foundation
snacks and a participant gift. They are
ticipate in the longer Boilermaker 5K
Chair Bernard Turi, who is also a vol-
then reunited with their parents or
their event, they enter the refresh-
Photo courtesy of Utica National Group.
Utica National’s Deborah Jackson poses with a young runner.
guardian. The area around the tent is
The Utica National Group
festive, with mascots from local sports
Foundation and the employees at
each summer. The Utica National
teams, face painting and clowns mak-
Utica National Insurance are making
Kids’ Run will be held on Saturday,
ing balloon animals.
a positive difference while promoting
July 11, 2015 in Utica, New York. n
the importance of health and exercise
11
Grant Program Supports
True Life Heroes
F
ireman’s Fund, the leading
and his courageous team, including
highlighting our commitment to
insurer of Hollywood films
spirited air tanker Dipper (voice of
supporting firefighters for safer com-
for more than 100 years, was
Julie Bowen), heavy-lift helicopter
munities,” said Lauren Bailey, vice
the financial services sponsor for the
Windlifter (voice of Wes Studi), ex-
president of entertainment insurance
world premiere of Disney’s animated
military transport Cabbie (voice of
at Fireman’s Fund. “It is an honor to
feature PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE,
Captain Dale Dye) and a lively bunch
help support the true heroes like those
which took place at Hollywood’s El
of brave all-terrain vehicles known as
Capitan Theatre on July 15, 2014.
The Smokejumpers. Together, the fear-
PLANES: FIRE & RESCUE is a
less team battles a massive wildfire and
new adventure-comedy about second
Dusty learns what it takes to become a
chances, featuring a dynamic crew
true hero.
of elite firefighting aircraft devoted
12
Fireman’s Fund understands that
to protecting historic Piston Peak
in reality, funding challenges have
National Park from raging wild-
left many fire departments without
fire. When world famous air racer
adequate resources. As part of the
Dusty (voice of Dane Cook) learns
Heritage Program’s 10th anniver-
that his engine is damaged and he
sary, Fireman’s Fund also presented a
may never race again, he must shift
$25,000 grant to the Los Angeles Fire
gears and is launched into the world
Department at the film’s world pre-
of aerial firefighting. Dusty joins forces
miere on July 15.
with veteran fire-and-rescue helicop-
“We were thrilled to join with
ter Blade Ranger (voice of Ed Harris)
Disney to award the $25,000 grant
at the Los Angeles Fire Department
celebrating its 10th anniversary this
sell Fireman’s Fund products are able
who put their lives at risk every day to
year. Founded in 1863 with a social
to direct these grants to support the
help save others.”
mission to support the fire service,
fire service.
“We are proud to serve the commu-
Fireman’s Fund today awards grants to
nity and appreciate the generous support
fire service organizations for life-saving
Program and the rich history of
from these organizations,” said James
equipment, firefighter training and
Fireman’s Fund, visit firemansfund.
Featherstone, Interim Fire Chief of the
community education programs. Since
com/heritage, firemansfundtimeline.
LAFD. “This grant will greatly increase
2004, Fireman’s Fund has awarded
com. n
firefighter safety and effectiveness.”
grants to more than 2,100 different
A check was presented to the Los
Funded by Fireman’s Fund
organizations totaling more than
Insurance Company, this Heritage
$31 million — including more than
Program grant is part of a nationwide
$9 million in California. Independent
philanthropic endeavor, which is
insurance agencies and brokers that
To learn more about the Heritage
Angeles Fire Department at the red
carpet event.
Photos courtesy of Fireman’s Fund.
13
WeCare®
T
he insurance industry provides
Foodbanks and United Way are each
business day each year to volunteer
customers with peace of mind
beneficiaries of the donations made by
for a nonprofit partner. As a result,
and a promise to help rebuild
employees.
employees volunteer across the 31
their lives when a catastrophe occurs.
Employee donations are directed
states in Westfield’s operating terri-
It’s a noble profession, and it comes as
to their home zip codes, and as a result,
tory. Westfield also looks for ways to
no surprise that the people who work
51 communities across Westfield’s
partner with its independent agencies
in the insurance industry are caring
operating territory benefited from the
to build relationships while improv-
individuals.
campaign in 2014. Doubling the posi-
ing the communities; more than 100
tive impact made by these donations,
agency employees volunteered this
Westfield employees gave time and
Westfield Insurance Foundation
year.
money to worthy causes in the
matches every employee donation
communities where they live and
dollar for dollar.
In 2014, more than 1,000
work—clearly demonstrating how
Nearly 700 employees volunteered
On October 8, 2014, 123
employees volunteered on-site at
Westfield’s headquarters to paint wall
WeCare (Westfield Cares) and how
for corporate sponsored activities in
trim and build five picnic tables for
important giving back is to Westfield’s
2014. Westfield’s partners for volunteer
soon-to-be homeowners, in partner-
culture.
work include Habitat for Humanity,
ship with Habitat for Humanity
Feeding America Foodbanks,
of Summit County, which serves the
the opportunity to donate to four
Rebuilding Together and Junior
greater Akron, Ohio, community.
employee selected nonprofit
Achievement.
®
Each fall, employees are provided
partners. The American Cancer
Society, American Heart Association,
A formal Volunteer Time-Off
Policy grants all employees one full
Supported by Habitat staff,
employees worked together in small
groups for 45-minute continuous
Westfield employees with the holiday gifts they donated for clients of local nonprofit partners.
14
Photos courtesy of Westfield.
shifts, completing a full day’s worth
among employees. In addition to
of construction on future homes
the employees’ time volunteering,
ployees’ personal volunteer efforts,
for local families. The activity was
the Foundation made a donation to
Westfield honors those individuals
a great way to accommodate larger
cover the cost of materials and staff
who annually volunteer at least 25
departments and build camaraderie
associated with the day.
hours to a qualifying nonprofit with
To show appreciation of em-
grants to the organizations. In 2014,
the organizations where 44 different
employees devoted more than 3,500
hours received grants ranging from
$250 to $500.
Throughout the year, employees
respond to identified needs in local
communities through donation drives. The largest efforts include school
supplies, canned foods, coats and
holiday wish lists. n
Above: Volunteers from Westfield
and HUB International pose with the
cans they sorted throughout the
day at the RoadRunner Food Bank.
Left: Westfield volunteers paint wall
trim for a Habitat homeowner at
Westfield’s headquarters.
15
Taking
the
Challenge
O
ver the summer, more than
$100 million was raised for
the ALS Association, the
only national non-profit organization
fighting Lou Gehrig’s disease. Thanks
to the “Ice Bucket Challenge,” which
went viral, more than 3 million people, including many celebrities, took
the challenge and/or donated to the
cause.
Of course, the Insurance
Information Institute’s own celebrity,
President Bob Hartwig, wanted to
join the challenge and contribute to
the cause. Hartwig took the challenge
during the work day and was lucky
that it happened to be warm outside.
He challenged all the I.I.I.’s staff and
some industry organization heads to
also take the challenge. n
Photos courtesy of Insurance Information Institute.
Celebrate My Drive
continued from page 3
to your destination safely.”
As part of overall teen driver
and five times the celebration.
The blog supports the Celebrate
and making safe driving commitments
safety efforts, State Farm is also cel-
My Drive goal of promoting teen
for our school. We were overwhelmed
ebrating with another group of high
driver safety in a positive way. It lends
to be grand prize winners.”
schoolers: the Jansens, a Nebraska
inspiration from a family who is likely
family with teenaged quintuplets.
on the same journey as so many oth-
Wayne County principal Bo
Adams added, “When I got the news
Teaching one teenager to drive can
about winning a $100,000 State Farm
be challenging enough. Can you imag-
grant and getting a private concert
ine teaching five at the same time?
by The Band Perry, I was teary-eyed.
The parents and their quintuplets,
ers when it comes to helping teens
learn to drive.
As insurers, parents, community
partners and government leaders, we
We’re a small community in rural
Elijah, Taylor, Nick, Miranda and
all have an important role to play in
south Georgia and not too many
Carter, are documenting their excit-
keeping teens safe on the road. Learn
groups like The Band Perry come
ing, sometimes bumpy, journey to
more about the program on celebrate-
down this way.
becoming licensed drivers in a blog
mydrive.com and Facebook, and let’s
called 5 Will Drive . With five teens
applaud teens as they keep “2 eyes on
teen driving safety. We want the word
learning to drive, there are five times
the road and 2 hands on the wheel”
out to all of our students about getting
the triumphs, five times the challenges
and become better, safer drivers. n
“The best part is this is all about
1616
®