Jimmy Watts Memorial Open raises $165,000

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Oct 10, 2012, 11:00 ET

NEW YORK, Oct. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- An annual golf tournament in Atlanta sponsored by QBE FIRST and the QBE Foundation has raised a record $165,000 this year to benefit the Autism Society of America (ASA).

Held yearly in Atlanta, the Jimmy Watts Memorial Open raises money to help people of all ages with autism live productive lives. Since 2008, the event has brought in more than $500,000 to support ASA programs that support families and their children with autism, as well as help people with autism find jobs.

According to QBE North America President and Chief Executive Officer John Rumpler, the tournament complements the foundation's commitment to the communities where QBE does business, and its mission to help people live more independently, successfully and productively. "Organizations such as the Autism Society provide a great deal of local assistance in our communities and serve to extend the reach and impact of the foundation," Rumpler says.

Attracting 232 golfers, the tournament is produced by QBE FIRST employee volunteers, who solicited sponsorships, gathered donations and coordinated the event. "QBE values volunteerism," says Phil Graiser, QBE FIRST employee and tournament chair. "Employees are encouraged to donate their time and talent to strengthen our local communities."

The tournament is named for Jimmy Watts, a long-time QBE FIRST employee, golf enthusiast and parent of an adult autistic child.

QBE North America is part of QBE Insurance Group Limited, one of the top 20 insurers and reinsurers worldwide. QBE Insurance Group's 2011 results can be found at www.qbena.com. Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, QBE operates out of 52 countries around the globe, with a presence in every key insurance market. The North America division, headquartered in New York, conducts business through its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries. QBE insurance companies are rated "A" (Excellent) by A.M. Best and "A+" by Standard & Poor's.

SOURCE QBE North America