On September 28, the Long Island Insurance Company (LIIC) held its annual Gala at Carlyle on the Green in Bethpage raising over $200,200 for United Way and other deserving causes on Long Island. More than 300 LIIC members joined together for the cause, participating in raffles and bidding on unique, high-end items in support of Long Islanders 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.
Alana Downey, U.S. Army veteran, a recipient of a car through United Way's Wheels for Warriors program, was featured as the evening's speaker - relaying to the attendees the story of her family's struggle, and how they were able to turn their lives around due to the support of United Way and its partner agency United Veterans Beacon House.
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 $4.8 million for Long Island charities. The LIIC has also set up 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.
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: Theresa A. Regnante, President and CEO of United Way of Long Island, and Maria Grasso, Chair of United Way of Long Island's Board of Directors, with LIIC Gala co-chairs Maria Thomas, Vice President of Brokerage Sales & Client Relations at Friedlander Group, Inc., Gloria Gargano, United Way Board Member and Field Sales Specialist at CNA Insurance and Mary E. Mondrick, Senior Sales Executive at Travelers.