critical programs and services to individuals with disabilities and
special needs, was presented with a generous $25,000 donation today
fromNorthwestern Mutual Foundation . The grant is in recognition of
Richard Worrell, managing director of Northwestern Financial in
Charlotte, being named the Most Exceptional Volunteer in the company's
17th annual national Community Service Award program. Worrell is a
long-time supporter of Easter Seals UCP and has a son who has
benefitted from the nonprofit's services.
The $25,000 donation will be designated to support a multi-sensory
environment room at the Easter Seals UCP Children's Center in
Charlotte. The multi-sensory environment will offer a safe place for
children with multi-sensory disorders and be the first in the
Charlotte area open to the community.
"We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from
Richard Worrell and the Northwestern Mutual Foundation," said Betsy
Dailey, Mecklenburg community director for Easter Seals UCP. "Our
Children's Center has benefitted tremendously from Northwestern Mutual
Foundation's designated grants over the past couple of years, which
have allowed us to provide even more services and better equipment to
help our children with special needs progress in their development. "
Worrell's son was born with a rare birth defect that caused him to
have significant development challenges. After discovering the Easter
Seals UCP Children's Center, his son was able to attend a school that
allowed him to prosper developmentally and mentally through
specialized therapies, while being in an inclusive classroom. As a
result of seeing the benefits his son received through Easter Seals
UCP, the Worrell family became active supporters of the nonprofit,
even after his son graduated from the preschool two years ago.
"Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner for children and adults with
disabilities, helping them to maximize their potential," said
Worrell. "I am most grateful to Northwestern Mutual's generosity for
this grant, which will be dedicated to building a multi-sensory
environment room at the Easter Seals Children's Development Center in
Charlotte," he added.
The Community Service Award program is open to more than 9,000
Northwestern Mutual financial representatives and assistant financial
representatives, recognizing their individual dedication to charitable
organizations and philanthropic projects. Since the program's
inception, over $3 million has been contributed to more than 300 non-
profit organizations throughout the country.
About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia
Headquartered in Raleigh, NC with programs and services throughout
North Carolina and Virginia, Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to
families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The
nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families
annually through an array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the
quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for
engaging in their communities. For more information on Easter Seals
UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.
About Northwestern Mutual The mission of the Northwestern Mutual
Foundation – the largest corporate giver 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 2011, the Foundation
contributed more than $15 million to nonprofit organizations across
the country.
