Left to right: Linda Nicolino, chief legal counsel at Bethpage Federal Credit Union and United Way of Long Island Board chair; Theresa Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island; Gloria Gargano, executive director of Small Business National Sales and LIIC Board co-chair; Mary Mondrick, senior sales executive Select Account Division at Travelers and LIIC co-chair; Maria Thomas, VP of Brokerage Sales and Client Relations at Friedlander Group, Inc. and LIIC Board co-chair. (Photo: United Way of Long Island)
Trade Winds

Long Island Insurance Community raises over $220K for charity at annual gala

Over 300 guests attended the 28th annual Long Island Insurance Community (LIIC) Gala at The Mansion at Oyster Bay, raising over $220,000 to benefit United Way of Long Island, Guide Dog Foundation, Long Island Insurance Education Foundation, and Color Me Cancer Free! Foundation.

The gala, held on Thursday, Sept. 19, honored industry and business leaders whose commitment to the community has significantly improved the quality of life for their neighbors. Since 1995, the LIIC has contributed more than $7 million to local nonprofit organizations. 

“I have traveled throughout the country over the past 28 years, and I have never seen an insurance community like the Long Island Insurance Community,” said Charles E. Makey III, president and CEO of Merchants Insurance Group, who was this year’s distinguished honoree. “Cammy Belser, one of the founders of this event and one of the most influential Merchants executives, would have been very proud to see the success of this event. She mentored me, and being here tonight is extra special.” 

Sponsoring this year’s event was Merchants Insurance Group and Hudson Valley Agency Alliance, Risk Placement Services, Acrisure, Affiliated Agency Inc., AIG, CNA, HUB International, NEC Specialty, and SterlingRisk Insurance.

For a complete sponsor list and to learn more about LIIC, visit https://l-i-i-c.org.