IICF Midwest gala raises $560,000, honors Jodie Kaufman Davis

The Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation’s (IICF) Midwest division hosted its 13th annual Blazing the Trail Gala in Chicago, raising a notable $560,000 for regional nonprofit initiatives.

During the gala, Jodie Kaufman Davis (pictured), executive vice president of H.W. Kaufman Group, was presented with the IICF Midwest Trailblazer award for her exceptional contributions to charity and her leadership within the industry. Her role in advancing inclusion initiatives and supporting Kaufman’s employee resource groups globally was particularly highlighted.

“Through IICF’s 30th celebration, we are creating stronger connections in the communities where we live and work, and with industrywide support, we aim to help our most vulnerable community members – children who are struggling with food insecurity,” Kaufman Davis said.

“By working together through IICF, we are also enhancing our industry by attracting talent who value philanthropic impact and who make it a priority to work with companies who are giving back. I am honored to represent these initiatives as the 2024 IICF Midwest Trailblazer.”

Kaufman Davis’s accolades include being named to the Insurance Business Global 100 in 2020. Beyond her professional achievements, she actively contributes to various boards including the Young Presidents’ Organization Motor City Chapter and the Insurance Supper Club Group global advisory board.

Gala proceeds

The proceeds from the recent gala will directly support the IICF Midwest Community Grants Program, which focuses on education, safety, and health initiatives across the region. Since its establishment in 2011, the Midwest division has allocated over $5 million to numerous charitable causes.

Marcie Stephan, Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance senior vice president and new IICF Midwest division board chair, stated: “It is our privilege to bring together the Midwest insurance community each year in celebration of giving, and we were honored to celebrate the inspiring philanthropic excellence of Jodie Kaufman Davis this year.

“The $560,000 we raised helps us to ‘empower brighter futures’ – this year’s Blazing the Trail theme.”

Last week’s event drew 375 attendees from the insurance and nonprofit sectors.

What do you think about this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below.