IICF Midwest Raises $400K-Plus for Regional Nonprofits

The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) says more than $400,000 was raised for the IICF Midwest Community Grants Program at its 7th annual Midwest Division Blazing the Trail Benefit, on March 8 in Chicago.

More than 350 insurance professionals and industry supporters joined with representatives of local Chicagoland nonprofit and charitable organizations in celebration of the industry’s ongoing commitment to philanthropy and community.

Since 2011, the IICF Midwest Division has contributed more than $2.2 million — along with 23,000 volunteer hours — to communities from Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, St. Louis and throughout the Midwest, supporting nonprofits in the areas of health, education and safety, and making a real difference in these communities.

This year an additional $28,500 was pledged at the Blazing the Trail Benefit by the Midwest insurance industry through a new text-to-give option.

During the benefit dinner, IICF awarded its 2018 Trailblazer of the Year to Deborah Babcock of the Katie School of Insurance at Illinois State University, for her exemplary philanthropic leadership and exceptional service to the insurance community, in particular, students and young professionals.

Proceeds from this year’s Blazing the Trail Benefit will fund the following 2018 IICF Midwest Division Community Grantees:

• Bernie’s Book Bank
• DuPage Pads
• Mutual Ground
• Oak Park River Forest Infant Welfare Society
• Shelter, Inc.
• SOS Children’s Villages
• Sue Duncan Children’s Center
• Youth Guidance