Fox Point Resident Unites with Co-Workers to Support United Way

Lewander Played a Key Role in Northwestern Mutual’s Fundraising Efforts

When Fox Point resident Nancy Lewander joined Northwestern Mutual, she thought she would use her skills and talent to support the company’s organizational communication. Then an additional opportunity arose.

This year, Lewander was pleased to serve on the United Way executive committee as communications lead for Northwestern Mutual’s 2011 United Way of Greater Milwaukee fundraising campaign.  As part of her key role, Lewander was responsible for planning and implementing the company-wide communication for the campaign.  

“Northwestern Mutual’s efforts to secure future generations and develop our local economy are significantly strengthened by employee volunteers like Nancy who are making a major impact,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation.

Lewander and more than 1,000 other Northwestern Mutual employees donate 30,000 hours each year to community volunteer efforts – including United Way – through group activities, mentoring, charity drives, and service on nonprofit boards.

In 2011, the volunteer effort supporting United Way delivered unprecedented results.  More than 4,000 Northwestern Mutual employees pledged to contribute more than $1.7 million to United Way of Greater Milwaukee.  Through employee, retiree and Northwestern Mutual Foundation donations the company expects its total contributed $3.8 million. Donations support efforts to strengthen the community, including initiatives to enhance education, promote financial stability and increase access to health services.

For Lewander, United Way’s campaign offered her an opportunity to give back and get involved. This was her first year serving on Northwestern Mutual’s campaign team, but has supported United Way campaigns in the past at other organizations.

“Working on the United Way campaign is a wonderful way to use my communication skills for the benefit of others,” Lewander said.  “Northwestern Mutual is a great company in so many ways.  I’m honored to work with intelligent and caring people who are genuinely committed to the community.”

Thanks to the generosity of its employees, retirees and the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the company continues to be a leading corporate donor to the organization. Northwestern Mutual has contributed more than $30 million over the last 10 years to the community campaign.

To learn more or get involved with United Way of Greater Milwaukee, visit: http://www.unitedwaymilwaukee.org.