On October 1, 2018 the Long Island Insurance Company (LIIC) held its annual Gala at The Heritage Club at Bethpage raising over $230,000 for United Way of Long Island and other deserving causes. Four hundred LIIC members joined together for the cause, participating in the evening’s fundraising efforts in support of neighbors in need.
The LIIC Gala annually honors industry and business leaders who have demonstrated a commitment to the community that has improved the quality of life for their neighbors.
This year’s honoree was Robert M. Zak, President and CEO of Merchants Insurance Group in Buffalo, NY. “I am humbled to be recognized by the Long Island Insurance Community,” said Zak. “It is rewarding to know that my efforts, and the efforts of my colleagues who work on Long Island, will assist in creating real change within the Long Island communities that I’ve come to know so well.”
Two of the Camilla G. Belser Memorial Scholarship Fund recipients are Reina and Oscar. Their scholarships are helping each of them achieve their academic and career goals. Reina, of Roosevelt, immigrated to the U.S. after suffering the Haiti earthquake in 2010. Through perseverance and hard work, Reina is now pursuing a major in computer science at Nassau Community College. Oscar, of Brentwood, is a first generation college student who has overcome academic hurdles and is now thriving at Suffolk Community College as an honors student, and is majoring in psychology. LIIC established the Camilla G. Belser Memorial Scholarship Fund on behalf of a colleague and friend designed to advance the educational goals of young people in need.
“United Way of Long Island is privileged to have such ardent support from the Long Island Insurance Community,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island. “Each year this event results in a significant impact for young men and women. Students have furthered their education and explored career paths, veterans have received critical services through Mission United and hundreds of futures have been altered for the better.”
Established in 1995 the Long Island Insurance Community was developed as a vehicle for the Insurance Industry to give back to the community and to those less fortunate. Since that time they have raised more than $5 million for Long Island charities. The goal continues to be bringing the Insurance community together to change the lives of Long Islanders in need. To learn more about the LIIC, visit www.L-I-I-C.org.
Photo caption 1: Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island (2nd from left), accepts a check from LIIC Gala Co-Chairs Maria Thomas (far left), Vice President of Brokerage Sales & Client Relations at Friedlander Group, Inc.; Mary E. Mondrick (2nd from right), Senior Sales Executive at Travelers; and Gloria Gargano (far right), United Way Board Member and Field Sales Specialist at CNA Insurance.
Photo caption 2:
Honoree Robert M. Zak (2nd from left) showcases his award with LIIC Gala Co-Chairs Maria Thomas (far left), Vice President of Brokerage Sales & Client Relations at Friedlander Group, Inc.; Mary E. Mondrick (2nd from right), Senior Sales Executive at Travelers; and Gloria Gargano (far right), United Way Board Member and Field Sales Specialist at CNA Insurance.
Photo caption 3: Camilla G. Belser Memorial Scholarship Fund recipients Reina (left) and Oscar (second from right) with Joel Belser (second from left) and United Way of Long Island's next Board Chair Alexander Bateman (far right).
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