NEW YORK, NEW YORK — April 7, 2017 — To celebrate the importance of volunteerism, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, is awarding grants on behalf of exemplary financial professionals to nonprofits nationwide.
Local resident Jonathan Romero, Jr., a Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual — New York has been selected as a recipient of the company’s 2017 Community Service Award. Romero, Jr. has received a $15,000 grant for the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Each year, 16 Northwestern Mutual financial professionals who demonstrate extraordinary service are awarded grants to benefit their nonprofits of choice.
After losing his father to a rare form of Parkinson’s disease, Romero, Jr. joined efforts with his brother and friends to form the organization’s Young New Yorkers for the Fight Against Parkinson’s committee, of which he is co-chair. He has played a key role in organizing the annual Celebrate Spring New York fundraising event in the ten years since its inception. To date, this event has raised upwards of $750,000 toward funding research and raising general awareness for the disease. The Parkinson’s Foundation will contribute the grant to the overall fundraising efforts of this year’s Celebrate Spring event.
“I’m honored to work with such a hardworking, caring group of individuals,” said Romero, Jr. “I’ve seen firsthand the effects of this devastating disease, and I’m thankful to be able to contribute to the research and support this organization’s members are so passionate about.”
The Parkinson’s Foundation funds promising scientific research, along with supporting individuals living with Parkinson’s through educational programs and services.
“When members of the community come together to make a difference, there are no limits to what can be accomplished,” said Eric Christophersen, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Jonathan has demonstrated the true value of dedicating one’s time and skills to improve the lives of others through his commitment to the Parkinson’s Foundation.”
A total of $295,000 has been awarded on behalf of financial professionals this year. Since 1995, the company has donated more than $5 million through its Community Service Award program.
About Northwestern Mutual Foundation
The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation is to improve the lives of children and families in need. The Foundation has given more than $300 million since its inception in 1992 and is designed to create lasting impact in the communities where the company's employees and financial representatives live and work. We accomplish this by combining financial support, volunteerism, thought leadership and convening community partners to deliver the best outcomes. Our efforts are focused nationally on curing childhood cancer, and locally on education, neighborhoods and making our hometown of Milwaukee a great destination.