News Industry Foundation’s Annual Dinner Contributes to Tri-State Area Charities
Insurance Industry Awards Annual Community Grants
Industry Foundation’s Annual Dinner Contributes to Tri-State Area Charities
NEW YORK, Dec. 14, 2009 – Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) New York Division Chairman Michael Fujii announced four new grants at the organization’s annual dinner, which took place on Wednesday, December 9, 2009 at the Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. Proceeds from the gala support IICF’s community grants program. This year, the grants were primarily directed to children’s charities and include Boys Hope Girls Hope New York, the International Rescue Committee’s Refugee Youth Program in New York, the Starlight Children’s Foundation NY*NJ*CT, and World Cares Center.
“What is compelling to me about the work of IICF is that no matter how much we compete in business…when it comes to our role in society and important contributions such as the ones we’re making tonight, our industry can marshal our collective strengths, knowledge, and talents for good,” said Pierre Ozendo, Chairman and CEO of Swiss Re America Corporation, who served as the dinner chairman.
In addition to the new grants, Mr. Fujii announced plans for an expansion of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s volunteer efforts in New York in 2010. Mr. Fujii, who is President & CEO of Worldwide Insurance Operations for Endurance Specialty Holdings, Ltd., stated that “Not only does IICF pool our industry resources to provide grants to our community, but we can work together to provide the great gifts of personal time, energy, and talents through our volunteer efforts.”
The gala was attended by nearly 700 representatives from a broad spectrum of the insurance industry. Joseph J. Plumeri, Chairman and CEO of Willis Group Holdings was honored by the IICF for his distinguished career and for his civic and philanthropic leadership. In his remarks, Mr. Plumeri reminded the crowd of the financial impact and importance of insurance, stating, “Nothing happens without insurance. Nothing is built, bought or sold without insurance. Loans don’t get made, trade doesn’t happen, injured workers don’t get compensated. The seat you’re sitting in right now would not be here without insurance covering the people who made it, bought it, delivered it and installed it. Insurance is the DNA of capitalism.”
Mr. Plumeri also pointed out the positive impact that insurance has on individuals. “Whether addressing the risks of terrorism, global warming or just helping people start a business, our industry has the expertise and the experience to help people pursue their dreams,” he said. “Because in the end, that’s what insurance is all about – helping people dream big dreams and making them a reality. It’s the greatest thing you can do for a person and you do it every day.”
Guest speaker for the evening was NBC News Special Correspondent Tom Brokaw. Mr. Brokaw noted that he had recently had an opportunity to reflect on the importance of insurance personally, as he was involved in a serious car accident on December 4. The IICF grant to the International Rescue Committee was given in honor of Mr. Brokaw, who serves on their board of overseers.
back to news |
