Volunteers help better their communities by donating their time and talents to improving the lives of others. In the spirit of volunteerism, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, is recognizing Richard Woo, a financial representative with the Chicago-based McTigue Financial Group for his work with GRIP Outreach For Youth as part of the company’s 19th annual Community Service Program.
The Community Service Award recognizes Northwestern Mutual financial representatives that demonstrate exemplary service with a local nonprofit. In addition, the award secures a $10,000 grant for the nonprofit the representative supports.
Rich has leveraged his time, talent and treasure to connect us to entire networks of individuals and churches that continue to partner with us today, said Scott Grzesiak, GRIP Outreach For Youth Executive Director. “He has ushered in numerous volunteers and mentors, hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations, and three crucial full-time staff members. Of course, all of this has resulted in more highly equipped volunteers and mentors on the frontlines – and this has resulted in many saved lives,” he noted.
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GRIP Outreach For Youth will use the funds for programs that reach at risk teens in the inner-city of Chicago and provide mentorship, support, fun and engaging programs.
”Volunteering at GRIP can be summed up in two words - meaningful change,” said Woo. “We have seen over the years how kids coming up through the program have grown intellectually, emotionally and spiritually. During that same time I have had my eyes opened to the real problems that face our inner city youth and have been compelled to roll up my sleeves and work,” he added.
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“If actions speak louder than words, then Rich is definitely a shining star,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “His volunteerism serves as an inspiration for all of us to share our passions with the hope of bettering the lives of others. Northwestern Mutual commends Rich on being a model citizen and example to all of us.”
The Community Service Program honors 25 financial professionals throughout the country who consistently work as exceptional volunteers in their communities. Since 1995, the company has donated more than $3 million to nonprofits on behalf of its representatives.
About the Northwestern Mutual Foundation
The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation – the largest corporate foundation in the state of Wisconsin – is to build strong, vibrant communities that serve as a legacy to future generations. The Foundation's giving is designed to create an impact on the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. In fiscal year 2013, the Foundation will contribute $16.9 million to nonprofit organizations across the country.
About GRIP Outreach for Youth
GRIP Outreach For Youth is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization created to address the needs of fatherless teenagers in Chicago's inner city. Connecting these youth with caring Christian mentors to build "life-on-life" relationships, GRIP provides programs and recreation to develop young people spiritually, mentally, and physically. Many of our teens are from neighborhoods where very few have a father figure in their lives and far too many end up in jail, addicted to drugs, or even dead before they turn 25.
Since its founding in 2004, GRIP has introduced a father-figure and the hope of Jesus Christ into the lives of hundreds of at-risk teens who desperately need someone to love them and walk life alongside them.
About The McTigue Financial Group
The McTigue Financial Group is a Northwestern Mutual office providing expert guidance in life insurance, investment products and services, retirement and estate planning, education funding and employee benefits. The offices are located at One North Wacker Drive in Chicago, 2015 Spring Road in Oak Brook, 650 Dundee in Northbrook, and 8600 W. Bryn Mawr in Chicago.
About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual is among the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2013 according to FORTUNE® magazine and has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 156 years. As a mutual company with $1.4 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual has no shareholders. The company focuses solely and directly on its clients and seeks to deliver consistent and dependable value to them over time.
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.
