Muskego Resident Unites with Co-Workers to Support United Way

When Muskego resident Todd Brylow started his career at Northwestern Mutual, he probably thought he would use his skills and talent to support the company’s investment advisory programs and trust services.

This year, however, Brylow added a new role to his resumé:  investment products and services department co-chair of Northwestern Mutual’s 2011 United Way of Greater Milwaukee fundraising campaign. As part of his key role, Brylow was responsible for organizing volunteers and implementing measures that increased employee participation and fundraising.

“Northwestern Mutual’s efforts to secure future generations and develop our local economy are significantly strengthened by employee volunteers like Todd who are making a major impact,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation.

Brylow and more than 1,000 other Northwestern Mutual employees donate 30,000 hours each year to community volunteer efforts – including United Way – through group activities, mentoring, charity drives, and service on nonprofit boards.

In 2011, the volunteer effort supporting United Way delivered unprecedented results.  More than 4,000 Northwestern Mutual employees pledged to contribute more than $1.7 million to United Way of Greater Milwaukee. Through employee, retiree and Northwestern Mutual Foundation donations, the company contributed $3.8 million. Donations support efforts to strengthen the community, including initiatives to enhance education, promote financial stability and increase access to health services.

For Brylow, United Way’s campaign offered him an opportunity to give back and get involved.  He’s a three-year volunteer veteran who has served the cause in many ways and in many roles throughout the years.

“The most fulfilling aspect for me is how much of an impact just one department can have in the community through the United Way campaign. Northwestern Mutual employees give more than their financial support, we commit our time through service work because we believe in making a change and better yet, we’ve seen the impact ourselves on the lives of neighbors. It just makes you smile.”

Thanks to the generosity of its employees, retirees and the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, the company continues to be a leading corporate donor to the organization.  Northwestern Mutual has contributed more than $30 million over the last 10 years to the community campaign.

To learn more or get involved with United Way of Greater Milwaukee, visit http://www.unitedwaymilwaukee.org.