The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) raised nearly $1.6 million at its 19th annual Northeast Benefit, a gala supporting regional nonprofits across New York, New Jersey and Connecticut.
The event, held on Nov. 19 in New York City, drew nearly 700 insurance industry leaders, celebrity speakers and nonprofit representatives, highlighting the sector's commitment to charitable giving while setting a record in fundraising for the region.
At the gala, IICF presented The Hartford with the "Double I" award, recognizing the company for its influence in the insurance industry and impact in the community. The award celebrates organizations that combine industry leadership with strong support for local communities. A. Morris Tooker, president of The Hartford, accepted the honor on behalf of the company and its employees.
Betsy Myatt, vice president and executive director of IICF’s Northeast Division, said The Hartford exemplifies corporate citizenship by investing in local communities and inspiring the broader insurance industry.
The 2025 IICF Northeast Benefit also featured special guests including Bernie Williams, former New York Yankees star and Latin Grammy-nominated guitarist, who directed his IICF grant to the Nancy Lieberman Charities. Nancy Lieberman, founder and president of the charity and two-time Basketball Hall of Famer, accepted the grant on behalf of her organization, which supports underserved youth in education, mental health, and career readiness.
John Gambale, chief distribution officer at Allianz Commercial and chair of the IICF Northeast Division board of directors, said the event celebrates the unifying power of the insurance industry in advancing philanthropic impact and delivering support to local communities.
Proceeds from the gala fund nonprofits focused on education, social services, and environmental initiatives.
Since 2007, IICF’s Northeast Division has awarded over $14.8 million in grants to more than 350 organizations across the region. This year’s beneficiaries include America’s Grow a Row, Clean Ocean Action, Covenant House NY, Freedom House, Hartford Interval House, Horizons at Sacred Heart University, Limb Kind Foundation, Mount Kisco Child Care Center, Nancy Lieberman Charities, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Reading Partners, Table to Table, Trenton Area Soup Kitchen, and Womenrising, as well as 10 additional grants to organizations outside the metropolitan area nominated by agents and brokers.
The event underscores how insurers’ charitable initiatives not only strengthen local communities but also enhance the sector’s public perception, demonstrating corporate responsibility beyond underwriting and claims.
The gala is just one way that IICF supports the insurance industry. In January, it has established the Wildfire Relief Fund to support the communities affected by the wildfires in Southern California.
By supporting nonprofits and community programs, insurers build trust and visibility among consumers, regulators, and stakeholders, an increasingly important factor in a highly competitive market where reputation and community engagement can influence business growth.
