Industry Gives Back to Biomedical Research and Treatment Institute

Sullivan Group’s Chairman Leads Fundraising Campaign for City of Hope Gala, Nov. 20

This month will mark the 30th time that the insurance industry has come together in support of Duarte, Calif.-based City of Hope, a biomedical research and treatment facility for cancer and other life-threatening diseases.

This year, CNA Financial Corp. Chairman and CEO Stephen W. Lilienthal will be presented with City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Award at a gala dinner on Nov. 20 in Chicago. The dinner honors Lilienthal for his philanthropic work and professional achievements throughout his career.

Since 1978, insurance industry professionals have helped to raise funds for City of Hope through its National Insurance Industry Council (NIIC). This year, the NIIC has been led by Gerald Sullivan, chairman of The Sullivan Group. Over the years, the group has raised more than $20 million. Sullivan says each year the NIIC board of directors works hard to make sure they raise substantial funding for the City of Hope’s research and treatment efforts.

“We have raised many millions and expect to have a very good year this year at our dinner in Chicago,” he said.

Supporting the City of Hope is a natural fit for Sullivan who has been around the health care industry for many years. The Sullivan Group provides medical malpractice for hospitals and doctors.

While Sullivan’s volunteer efforts have helped make this year’s Spirit of Life campaign a success, it’s the combined effort of the NIIC board and this year’s honoree Lilienthal that make the event a true achievement.

“Stephen Lilithental has done an outstanding job of running CNA and has been a real leader in our industry,” Sullivan said. As this year’s honoree, he has taken on a significant interest in City of Hope, he added.

The NIIC Spirit of Life campaign runs year-round and is supported by nearly 50 insurance industry professionals serving on the NIIC board of directors.

Michael Sandler, City of Hope director of development, says funds raised through the NIIC go to support research, treatment and education programs designed to ultimately find the cures for cancer and other life-threatening diseases at City of Hope.

“We all encounter people who have cancer,” Sullivan says. Giving time and energy to the NIIC is “well worthwhile,” he added.

For more information on the Spirit of Life gala, visit www.cityofhope.org/insurance, or contact Paulette Pasciuti at ppasciuti@coh.org or at 213-241-7156.

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