This flagship fundraising event will feature a 15-mile relay race over a one-mile course beginning and ending in Grant Park in downtown Chicago. The venue is just a short distance from Willis Tower, the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere.
The race will feature roughly 100 Willis North America Associates, grouped into teams representing the broker’s various regions and practices, including Nashville Operations, Willis Global Specialties and Willis Re. Teams made up of employees from insurance companies with which Willis does business have also been invited to participate. Each team was challenged to raise $50,000 in pledged donations to enter the race. The goal, ultimately, is to raise $1 million for The Willis Foundation.
“The Willis Foundation and the Willis CharityChase are demonstrating the good that comes when we work together and combine our efforts. That’s what we do for our communities,” said Joe Plumeri, Wills Group Chairman and CEO.
The Willis Foundation was created in May 2010 to support the philanthropic efforts of the company and raise money for worthy causes. Fundraising for The Willis Foundation began in the summer of 2010.
The Willis Foundation will award gold, silver and bronze medals to the three fastest teams. In addition, all participating teams will be allowed to direct a portion of the funds they raise to local qualifying charities.
“The generous spirit of Willis Associates is truly inspiring. Through this organized effort, we as a company and as individuals can demonstrate our commitment to community, humanity and people in need,” said Don Bailey, president of The Willis Foundation and Chairman of the Foundation Board.
The remaining money raised by the Willis CharityChase will be given to charities across North America by the Willis Foundation as determined by its Board of Directors and Grants Committee, based on proposals submitted by Willis Associates.
For more information on The Willis Foundation or details on The Willis CharityChase, please visit www.thewillisfoundation.org.