Over the past 169 years, the New York Life Insurance Company (NYL) has built a stellar reputation for always being there for those in need during times of crisis. Berge Kallibjian and Ted Miller are hoping to continue that tradition of care and support by forging a relationship with the Widows, Orphans & Disabled Firemen’s Fund. “New York Life encourages us to go and find charities through the Giving for Good campaign — our matching donation program,” explains Ted, agent for NYL’s Life/Health division. “Berge and I chose to connect with an organization that supports firefighters because we understand the special concerns and issues that affect the fire industry.”
Berge, also an agent specializing in NYL’s Life/Health division, began his career at the Pasadena-based office working with small, working class families, so he was eager to see how NYL could help this unique part of the Los Angeles community. That opportunity arrived with the 2013 El Coyote Café Salsa event last November. The agency duo was not only happy to sponsor the fundraiser, but they were also impressed by how well the competition went off without a hitch. “It was a good familial event and we expected to have a lot of fun,” assures Berge. “But what struck us was that you also saw this really cohesive event even though everyone had their separate teams and were competing against each other.”
That cohesion against a backdrop of camaraderie confirmed to Ted just how valuable the charity is to the firefighting family. “The thing I loved witnessing the most was the sense of family and community. There are a lot of charities that are grand in scope, but you can’t see the effect of your help,” Ted continues. “It’s not like that with Widows & Orphans. We go to the events and we see the firefighters and their families and friends. You really get a sense that you’re helping people right in your community.”
With that in mind, NYL plans to be more involved with the charity throughout 2014 as more fundraising events are confirmed. “We definitely plan to engage and help more this year because the vision of the charity is something we truly believe in,” says Berge.
Truer words were never spoken. NYL may conjure thoughts of extensive insurance coverage, retirement plans and investment annuities, but it’s their commitment to those coping with sudden loss that sets them apart from your typical insurance company. Ted shares: “We also sponsor Comfort Zone Camp, a bereavement camp for grieving children who’ve lost their parents, siblings and guardians. That’s why when we learned of the Widows & Orphans charity, it further solidified our conviction to work with their organization.”
It’s easy to see why NYL is a perfect partner with the charity because their goals not only align, but mirror each other. “We protect families at the end of the day,” Berge insists. “We are committed to helping firefighters sleep easy at night, knowing their families are taken care of.”
If you would like to learn more about the New York Life Insurance Company, please visit www.losangeles.nyloffices.com or call Berge Kallibjian at (818) 662-7707 or Ted Miller at (323) 240-6462.
By Candace Nicholson