The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) set a new fundraising milestone at its 19th annual Northeast Benefit in New York City, raising nearly $1.6 million to support nonprofits across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut. The Nov. 19, 2025, gala drew close to 700 insurance industry leaders, celebrity speakers, and nonprofit grantees. As a result, the event became the largest fundraising night in the foundation’s history and an ongoing regional tradition focused on charitable giving.
Record Northeast Benefit And Its Purpose
IICF hosted the Northeast Benefit as a charitable gala that funds local nonprofits aligned with education, social services, and environmental needs. This year’s dinner set a record, bringing in nearly $1.6 million for organizations serving communities throughout the Northeast. The event also continued the foundation’s practice of reinvesting locally, since IICF directs proceeds to regional groups where fundraising occurs.
In addition, IICF highlighted the importance of industry-wide participation. The Benefit gathered professionals from across the insurance sector to celebrate philanthropic work while also generating direct financial support for nonprofit partners.
The Hartford Receives The “Double I” Award
During the gala, IICF honored The Hartford with its annual “Double I” award. IICF gives this recognition to insurance organizations that demonstrate Influence in the industry and Impact in their communities. A. Morris “Mo” Tooker, president at The Hartford, accepted the award for the company and its employees.
IICF leadership explained why The Hartford earned the honor. Betsy Myatt, vice president, chief program officer, and executive director of the IICF Northeast Division, said the organization’s long-standing charitable leadership and continued support of IICF made it a natural choice for the award. She also noted that The Hartford prioritizes investment in local communities and provides resources for people in need, which reflects corporate citizenship and encourages broader industry participation.
The Hartford’s Philanthropic Focus Areas
The Hartford supports several community programs through its philanthropic efforts. Specifically, the company works to expand access and opportunity in multiple ways:
- It champions programs that make adaptive sports more accessible.
- It provides resources aimed at reducing mental health stigma in the workplace.
- It strengthens small businesses through local engagement and support.
- It educates children about fire safety and prevention.
These efforts represent the areas IICF highlighted when presenting the “Double I” award.
Celebrity Speaker And Community Grant
The 2025 Northeast Benefit featured celebrity guest speaker Bernie Williams. Williams is known as a former New York Yankees player, a four-time World Series Champion, and a Latin Grammy-nominated guitarist and composer. He also serves as a Turnaround Arts artist appointed by the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities. Through this role, he supports arts and music education nationwide.
At the gala, Williams directed his IICF grant to the Nancy Lieberman Charities. This nonprofit focuses on improving outcomes for underserved youth through education, mental health and wellness, and life and career preparedness. Nancy Lieberman, founder and president of the organization, attended as a featured guest. She is also a two-time Basketball Hall of Famer, a two-time U.S. Olympian, and a two-time Coach of the Year. Lieberman accepted the IICF Community Grant on behalf of her organization from Williams.
Industry Unity And Regional Impact
Speakers also emphasized the Benefit’s role in unifying the insurance industry around shared community goals. John Gambale, chief distribution officer at Allianz Commercial and chair of the IICF Northeast Division Board of Directors, said the event demonstrates the power of unity. He added that IICF serves as a unifying force in the industry by advancing collective philanthropic impact and delivering vital support to neighbors in need.
Grants, Beneficiaries, And Long-Term Giving
Proceeds from the annual Northeast Benefit fund nonprofits that work in education, social services, and environmental support. Including the awards tied to this dinner, the IICF Northeast division has now awarded more than $14.8 million in grants since its founding in 2007. Over that time, the division has supported more than 350 nonprofits and charities across the Northeast region.
This year, proceeds will benefit the following organizations:
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.
Additionally, the division awarded 10 more grants to organizations outside the metropolitan area. Agents and brokers who live and work in those communities nominated these groups.
About IICF
Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF) is a nonprofit that unites the insurance industry to help communities through grants, volunteer service, and leadership. Established in 1994, the foundation has contributed $53 million in community grants over more than 30 years. It has also logged nearly 400,000 volunteer hours from more than 130,000 industry professionals. IICF reinvests locally where it raises funds so it can support hundreds of charities and nonprofits with a focus on maximum community impact. The organization is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
For more information about IICF’s Northeast division and ways to get involved, the foundation directs readers to its Northeast division website.
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