Community Involvement

Northwestern Mutual ~ A Partner and Friend to
the Center for Disability Services

Time and again, the leadership and representatives of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network have proven themselves to be community partners--and friends--to individuals who have disabilities.  This alliance is exhibited in the office's active support of fundraising activities at the Center for Disability Services, and in personal charitable acts.

On June 18, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network/The Tronco Group presented An Aficionado Experience with special guest Bucky Dent, former starting shortstop for the New York Yankees.  The not-to-be missed cocktail party with fine cuisine, held at the Pruyn House in Newtonville, was a benefit for the Center for Disability Services.  Luis Tiant, former starting pitcher for the Red Sox and the Yankees, also participated in the fundraiser.  Alex Tronco, co-chair of An Aficionado Experience and managing partner of Northwestern Mutual/The Tronco Financial Group, worked with Pat DiCerbo, co-chair, and an active committee to make the event a smashing success for more than 500 guests, despite the evening¹s heavy rain.  The men are long-time supporters of the benefit and have been involved in its planning and sponsorship throughout its 15 year history. 

 "The people of Northwestern Mutual Financial Network are committed community leaders," said Alan Krafchin, President & CEO of the Center for Disability Services.  "The support they demonstrate through corporate sponsorships and individual acts of kindness mean so much to everyone at the Center and to all individuals who have disabilities." 

 For a number of years, Northwestern Mutual was title sponsor of the NFL Alumni/Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Charity Golf Classic to benefit the Center for Disability Services.  Milton C. Hall, III, retired managing partner of Northwestern Mutual, was instrumental in the success of the two-day event which included activities at the Saratoga Race Course. The tournament welcomed pro football legends, Hall of Fame members, and Pro Bowl/All Bowl participants.

 Northwestern Mutual Financial Network representatives are enthusiastic and generous donors to the Center's Giving Tree project in December. Service Coordination professionals meet with Center consumers and family members to determine a gift list of basic needs.  The Center's Foundation Division manages the project.  Annually, the Giving Tree effort translates into a happier holiday season for several hundred individual consumers and dozens of families.  Organizers report that they can count on participants from Northwestern Mutual to go above and beyond any requests, in the true spirit of giving.

 "We say the Center is the place where people get better at life,"  said Anne Schneider Costigan, Deputy Executive Director of the Foundation.  "Our partnerships with organization such as Northwestern Mutual make all the difference in the lives of our consumers and their families. Volunteers tell us it is rewarding for them, too, to have such a positive impact in so many ways."