Northwestern Mutual-Chicago in Northbrook raises $2800 for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
For Gregory Gertz, a financial adviser with Northwestern Mutual-Chicago's Northbrook district office, basketball has been a big part of his family's life. His son and daughter, Alana and Jeremy, have been playing since they were young. It was their love for basketball and desire to help other children find opportunities for wonderful memories that prompted them to organize Hoops for Hope.
The inaugural Northwestern Mutual - Chicago and John Karzen Basketball "Hoops for Hope" held on August 13 featured a clinic for children ages 5 to 10 and 3 on 3 tournaments for children ages 11 to 15. More than $2,800 was raised to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer, Northwestern Mutual's national philanthropic partner that is dedicated to eradicating childhood cancer
"It's important that each child and their family have the time to create lasting memories doing what they enjoy," said Greg. "If by raising these funds we can help advance pediatric cancer research to find a cure or advance treatments for children it will be worth it."
Since 2014, Northwestern Mutual - Chicago has raised more than $225,000 which will help fund 4,500 hours of research. Childhood cancer is the leading cause of death by disease in children and adolescents in the United States. Yet financial support for childhood cancer research remains vastly underfunded
"The best part of the day is knowing that our family, our dad's company, Northwestern Mutual - Chicago, John Karzen Basketball and our coaches, friends and people in the community all came together to help us raise money to fight pediatric cancer, said Alana and Jeremy, who are already planning next year's event.
To learn more about Northwestern Mutual - Chicago's community involvement and childhood cancer initiative, visit northbrook.nm.com/~CommunityInvolvement.htm
About Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation
Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of cancer patient Alexandra "Alex" Scott (1996-2004). In 2000, 4-year-old Alex announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand to raise money to help find a cure for all children with cancer. Since Alex held that first stand, the Foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement, complete with thousands of supporters across the country carrying on her legacy of hope. To date, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, a registered 501(c)3 charity, has raised more than $100 million toward fulfilling Alex's dream of finding a cure, funding over 475 pediatric cancer research projects nationally. For more information on Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, visit AlexsLemonade.org.
About John Karzen Basketball
John Karzen - Basketball Director, a former University of Michigan and New Trier star athlete has directed and grown the Basketball Programs at North Shore Racquet Club and John Karzen Basketball (JKBB) for over 21 years. The programs for children age four through 13 teach basic fundamentals, cultivates respect for coaches and the rules of the game, and helps players develop confidence. Further information can be found at http://www.northshorerc.com/basketball.html
About Northwestern Mutual - Chicago
Northwestern Mutual - Chicago is a leading Chicago-based financial planning firm providing expert guidance to help clients manage financial risk and achieve financial security. Ranked one of Chicago's Best Places to Work for six straight years, according to Crain's Chicago Business (2009-2014), Northwestern Mutual - Chicago (formerly the McTigue Financial Group) provides career and internship opportunities to individuals who are committed to growing a successful financial service practice. The network office is located at One North Wacker Drive in Chicago, and the Northbrook district office is located at 650 Dundee in Northbrook. Further information can be found at northbrook.nm.com.
About Northwestern Mutual
Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for nearly 160 years. Our financial representatives build relationships with clients through a distinctive planning approach that integrates risk management with wealth accumulation, preservation and distribution. With $238.5 billion in assets, $27.9 billion in revenues and more than $1.6 trillion worth of life insurance protection in force, Northwestern Mutual delivers financial security to more than 4.3 million people who rely on us for insurance and investment solutions, including life, disability income and long-term care insurance; annuities; trust services; mutual funds; and investment advisory products and services. Northwestern Mutual is recognized by FORTUNE magazine as one of the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2016.
Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a comprehensive approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, annuities, Iife insurance with long-term care benefits, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company (NMWMC), federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company (NLTC).