Community Corner
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society - Minnesota Chapter receives $25,000 grant from Northwestern Mutual
Contributing to the community is a way of life for Brad Vick. He is being recognized by Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, for his work with The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LSS) – Minnesota Chapter as a recipient of the company’s 20th annual Community Service Award.
Vick, a wealth management advisor at Northwestern Mutual – The Bohannon Group in Mendota Heights, Minn., was chosen as one of four most exceptional volunteers across the country, earning him a $25,000 grant for LSS – Minnesota. The honor identifies 16 Northwestern Mutual financial professionals that demonstrate exemplary service with a local nonprofit, and awards the organization with a grant on behalf of the volunteer’s work.
LSS works to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease and myeloma, as well as improve the quality of life of patients and their families. After watching his brother and father suffer from cancer, Vick began volunteering at LSS as a way to honor two of the people he loves most. In 2011, Vick was named the LSS Man of the Year for raising the largest amount of donations for blood cancer research in a 10-week campaign. Currently, Vick serves as a mentor for participants of this program.
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“After losing my brother to this terrible disease, I decided to do everything I could to help find a cure so that no one else has to fight this battle,” said Vick. “Everyone wins when cancer loses, which is why I work with LSS and its inspiring volunteers.”
The nonprofit will use the grant money in three ways – to fund drug therapy acceleration programs, increase legislative advocacy to promote access to cancer drugs for patients and provide support to patients and their families.
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“Achieving meaningful, lasting change in communities is only possible when someone takes the first step,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “The work Brad does not only impacts those involved with the organization, but serves as a model for all of us to follow.”
The Community Service Program honors 16 financial professionals throughout the country who consistently work as exceptional volunteers in their communities. Since 1995, the company has donated more than $3 million to nonprofits on behalf of its representatives.