Annual celebration of insurance industry philanthropy raises funds for regional nonprofits
CHICAGO (April 25, 2022) – The Midwest Division of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), a unique nonprofit organization dedicated to helping communities and enriching lives, will be honoring Acrisure and its co-founder, chairman and CEO, Greg Williams during the annual Blazing the Trail Benefit on May 17 at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. The 2023 IICF Blazing the Trail Benefit will convene insurance industry professionals and leaders, along with representatives of local nonprofits, to recognize the philanthropic achievements of the industry and give back to those in need throughout the Midwest.
IICF will honor Greg Williams and Acrisure for trailblazing charitable efforts in the community. Under the leadership of Williams, Acrisure pledged $15 million in 2020 to establish the Center for Innovation in Children’s Health at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. Most recently, Williams spearheaded the creation of Evolution Advisors, which is an Acrisure joint venture focused on providing growth acceleration and greater access to minority-owned insurance agencies and brokers. In announcing the stadium naming rights partnership with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Williams shared that Acrisure was “eager to invest in the Pittsburgh community and broader region as we chart our course to an unforgettable first season.” Williams immediately delivered, assuring Acrisure not only supported the existing Steelers community partners such as the United Way, but creating Acrisure’s own impact via support of local organizations such as the Pittsburgh Promise and the YMCA of Greater Pittsburgh. Additionally, Williams is proud to share that Acrisure has recently established a partnership with UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.
“Fundamental to the insurance business is a commitment to mitigating risk and providing much needed support to individuals and communities in the aftermath of a loss,” said Blazing the Trail Event Chair Jodie Kaufman Davis, Executive Vice President, H.W. Kaufman Group and member of the IICF Board of Governors. “The work of the IICF takes that one step further by prioritizing philanthropic work in the communities where we do business – we are excited that this event gives us an opportunity to acknowledge the significant impact industry professionals continue to have throughout the Midwest.”
Proceeds from the Blazing the Trail Benefit will support IICF’s Midwest Community Grants Program, through which grants are awarded to local nonprofit and charitable organizations focused on education, safety and health. IICF Community Grants totaling more than $500,000 were awarded in 2022 to nonprofit partners across the Midwest. Since its founding in 2011, IICF’s Midwest Division has granted more than $4.4 million to over 200 nonprofits. Currently, more than 120 insurance industry leaders across the Midwest contribute to our communities through IICF as board members of the IICF Midwest Division and Associate Boards and Chapter Boards in Ohio and the Heartland (Kansas and Missouri). IICF Midwest is one of five divisions, four based in the US and one in the UK, of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation, which has granted a total of $45 million globally since its inception in 1996.
“With needs in our communities increasing due to the economic uncertainty many face, the insurance industry is continuing to step up with meaningful support to individuals and families struggling with significant challenges,” said Kelly Hartweg, Executive Director of the IICF Midwest Division. “IICF is grateful for the dedicated support of the insurance community in the Midwest, and the substantial contributions in our region which has provided real and meaningful support to our neighbors.”
This year’s Blazing the Trail Benefit is made possible through generous insurance industry support including Presenting Sponsors: Acrisure and Burns & Wilcox; Platinum Sponsors: Aon, CNA, CRC Group, RT Specialty and Zurich; Gold Sponsors: Amwins, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and many other event sponsors.
For more information regarding the event and sponsorship opportunities, please visit the IICF Midwest Benefit Event website or contact Kelly Hartweg at (773) 991-2149 or khartweg@iicf.com.
About 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 voice and foundation of the insurance industry for close to thirty years, contributing nearly $45 million in community grants along with over 320,000 volunteer hours by more than 115,000 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
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