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2022 US Insurance Awards: Lockton, Community Outreach Project of the Year (Donations)

Posted On: Nov. 2, 2022 12:00 AM CST

2022 US Insurance Awards: Lockton, Community Outreach Project of the Year (Donations)

Lockton Cos. LLC’s annual golf tournament benefiting Move United’s Warfighters program, which provides wounded and disabled veterans with free adaptive sports programming and rehabilitation, has raised more than $1 million since 2016, making it one of Warfighters’ most successful fundraisers. 

Held each September at the Trump National Golf Club in Bedminster, New Jersey, the Warfighters Sports Charity Challenge Golf Tournament was started by Hartford, Connecticut-based Lockton President Josh Olson, Managing Executive Gary Giuletti and Vice President and Managing Executive David Giuletti. 

Mr. Olson said they were inspired to create the tournament after attending a Move United ski event several years earlier. They hoped to raise $50,000 the first year and instead raised $180,000. In 2021, Lockton reached a new milestone, raising $500,000 for Warfighters at the one-day tournament.

The money supports Move United’s more than 100 free Warfighters events each year. Since 2003, Warfighters has served more than 16,000 veterans, providing sports programs, equipment, transportation and accessible facilities. 

“They use sport to help injured veterans do something that they never thought they would be able to do again,” Mr. Olson said. 

More than 228 industry representatives participate in the golf tournament each year, Mr. Olson said, including insurer executives, brokers, agents and clients, as well as 50 veterans who are members of the Warfighters program. Participants play in teams of four plus one veteran. 

Many Warfighters participants have been part of the event every year, Mr. Olson said, including one veteran who lost both of his hands and legs. It’s remarkable to see their strength and progress each year, he said.  

“You get to really know the warriors and hear their stories,” Mr. Olson said. “These people were injured in the course of battle while defending our freedom. It’s really a moving event.” 

The tournament also includes a donation drive with PGA golf pros Pat McGovern, Tommy Hug and Andrew Eigner, a silent and live auction, and dinner. Though the pandemic forced some changes in 2021, like holding the dinner and auction outside, Mr. Olson said the industry still came out to show its support.

“The veterans are there thanking us for having this amazing place to play golf, and we’re the ones that really want to thank them for their service and do whatever we can to help,” he said. 

FINALISTS

• AssuredPartners Inc. — After a series of tornados ripped through Bowling Green, Kentucky, last year, the brokerage contributed to organizations providing relief to displaced families and rebuilding efforts. 

• Harford Mutual Insurance Co. — The insurer’s Gives Back Program partners with more than 70 charitable organizations to provide volunteer and financial assistance. 

• IAT Insurance Group — The insurer supports Wreaths Across America, an organization that lays wreaths on the graves of soldiers. 

• IMA Financial Group — The brokerage created the IMA Foundation nearly 40 years ago, and, after the company’s rapid growth in recent years, the fund increased by more than 170% in 2021.