Northwestern Mutual awards $50,000 grant to John Theissen Children's Foundation

Local office brings joy to sick and underprivileged children

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Mar 06, 2013, 11:00 ET

MILWAUKEE, March 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, is recognizing the Quinlan Financial Group -- a Northwestern Mutual office in Melville, N.Y. -- for its exceptional volunteerism with the company's 2013 Community Impact Award. The office is being honored for its dedication to the John Theissen Children's Foundation with the award and a $50,000 grant to the nonprofit.

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Founded in 1992, the John Theissen Children's Foundation provides support services for sick and underprivileged children and their families by running holiday toy drives, operating the Family Fun Center, funding hospital stays and medical treatments, and fulfilling patients' wish lists. Learn more about the work of the Children's Foundation in this YouTube video.

"For 17 years our office has been involved with John Theissen's group and we are very passionate about the work he does to support kids and families who are battling childhood cancer and other diseases," said Craig Quinlan, managing partner, The Quinlan Financial Group. "This grant comes at a special time for the organization as many of the Foundation's families are still dealing with the effects of Hurricane Sandy. Diseases like childhood cancer take an emotional and financial toll, so we're looking forward to helping more kids and families find happiness with this extra financial support."

More than 43 volunteers, including the managing partner, financial representatives and support staff from the Northwestern Mutual office, have logged more than 470 volunteer hours. The Quinlan Financial Group volunteers at every event the Children's Foundation holds, regularly staffs the Family Fun Center, and serves at the registration table during the annual 5K run/walk. Along with volunteer hours, the group is a platinum sponsor of the John Theissen Children's Foundation Casino Night and regularly donates to supply and gift drives.

The $50,000 grant will focus on families most affected by Hurricane Sandy. Specifically, funding will be put toward medical costs, patient wish lists and toy drives.

"The Children's Foundation sees Northwestern Mutual as a partner in our success of caring for the community," said John Theissen, executive director and founder, John Theissen Children's Foundation. "As part of supporting our neighbors, we have already spent an unplanned $20,000 to help those affected by Hurricane Sandy, so this grant will help us not only fill that void, but also allow us to support families fighting disease."

The Community Impact Award annually recognizes Northwestern Mutual offices that demonstrate exemplary service with a local nonprofit.

"Northwestern Mutual is proud to strengthen the communities in which we live and work," said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. "Few things are more rewarding than bringing children joy, especially those who've endured and battled so much. The John Theissen Children's Foundation, along with the Quinlan Financial Group, are helping countless families on Long Island forget about their daily challenges and find some happiness."

About the Northwestern Mutual Foundation
The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation -- the largest corporate foundation in the state of Wisconsin -- is to build strong, vibrant communities that serve as a legacy to future generations. The Foundation's giving is designed to create an impact on the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. In fiscal year 2013, the Foundation will contribute $16.9 million to nonprofit organizations across the country.

About Northwestern Mutual
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company -- Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) -- among the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2013 according to FORTUNE® magazine -- has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 156 years. As a mutual company with $1.4 trillion of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual has no shareholders. The company focuses solely and directly on its clients and seeks to deliver consistent and dependable value to them over time. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.

About John Theissen Children's Foundation
Founded in 1992, the John Theissen Children's Foundation provides support services for sick and underprivileged children and their families on Long Island, N.Y. The nonprofit coordinates toy drives, assists with medical bills, fulfills wishes and operates a fun center. Since its inception, the Foundation has donated more than 800,000 new toys to children in more than 185 hospitals and childcare facilities.

SOURCE Northwestern Mutual