Northwestern Mutual awards $10,000 grant to the McGaw YMCA

Volunteers help better their communities by donating their time and talents to improving the lives of others. In the spirit of volunteerism, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, is recognizing Evanston resident Thomas G. Walder, for his work with the McGaw YMCA as part of the company’s 19th annual Community Service Program.  Walder is a senior financial representative with Northwestern Mutual’s McTigue Financial Group in Chicago.

The award recognizes Northwestern Mutual financial representatives that demonstrate exemplary service with a local nonprofit. In addition, the award secures a $10,000 grant for the nonprofit the representative supports.

Tom has been an advocate and hands on volunteer for the McGaw YMCA for 14 years, beginning with his work as a mentor for troubled youth middle school students in 1999.  In 2005 he was elected to the Board of Directors and has served on golf outing, marketing and development committees, as well as the leadership gifts committee and is a frequent volunteer at events.  The McGaw YMCA will use the grant to support youth programs including the Project SOAR mentoring program.

Growing up in Evanston, Tom spent a fair amount of time at the McGaw YMCA and many of his friends today came from those clubs and activities when he was 10 - 16 years old. “When I reconnected to the “Y " 30 years later through the Project Soar mentoring program and 7 years on the Board, I realized that the McGaw YMCA is a vital part of the community through its scholarships and needs-based programming,” said Tom. “This grant will help them continue to be a center for community involvement,” he added.

“Through hard work and dedication, Tom has made tremendous contributions to the McGaw Y and has been an inspirational role model to staff, volunteers and program participants,” said William F. Geiger, president and chief executive officer of the McGaw YMCA.  “We are very fortunate to have a passionate and inspiriting individual such as Tom to share in our vision of welcoming everyone – inspiring youth, activating families and impacting the community,” he added.

“If actions speak louder than words, then Tom is definitely a shining star,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “His volunteerism serves as an inspiration for all of us to share our passions with the hope of bettering the lives of others. Northwestern Mutual commends Tom on being a model citizen and example to all of us.”

The Community Service Program honors 25 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.

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 The McTigue Financial Group
 A network office of Northwestern Mutual, The McTigue Financial Group is a 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 five straight years, according to Crain’s Chicago Business (2009-2013), 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 in Chicago. Further information can be found at www.mctiguefinancial.com

About Northwestern Mutual

Northwestern Mutual is among the "World's Most Admired" life insurance companies in 2013 according to FORTUNE® magazine and 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 is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI, and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability income 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; Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments.