ALEXANDRIA, Va., Jan. 28, 2010 - The Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund created a matching fund for Big "I" employees who want to donate to money dedicated exclusively to providing assistance to the victims of the Haiti earthquake.
 
“Although the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund historically has been used just for relief following domestic disasters, the tragic consequences and enormity of need due to the recent earthquake in Haiti has prompted an outpouring of interest in helping with the relief and recovery efforts in Haiti,” says Dave Evans, Trusted Choice® executive director. “To put the resources to the best and most efficient use, the money collected by our dedicated Haiti fund will be donated specifically to help the people of Haiti via recognized tax-exempt charitable organizations that are providing needed emergency services and resources in Haiti.”
 
 Any funds donated to the dedicated Haiti fund under the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund in excess of the matched funds allocated will still go to benefit those in need in Haiti, just without a matching grant from the Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund. 
 
“The Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund allows us to financially assist victims when and where a disaster strikes, rather than raising the funds after the fact when each second on the clock is so precious,” says Bob Rusbuldt Big “I” president & CEO. “Our disaster relief fund has distributed hundreds of thousands of dollars across the country in some of the most hard-hit areas, such as in the aftermath of 9/11, Hurricane Katrina and other significant disasters. The extreme and heart-breaking need in Haiti prompted a new use for this fund and I’m proud of our staff for their generosity.”
 
The Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund was established by the IIAA Educational Foundation of the Big “I” to assist those who have suffered losses due to natural or man-made disasters. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) entity and all contributions are tax deductible.

 To make a tax-deductible contribution to the fund or to apply for a grant, go to www.independentagent.com and click on “About Us” and then “Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund.” To contribute via check, send a check payable to the “Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund” to:
Attn: Lillian Carter
 Trusted Choice® Disaster Relief Fund
127 S. Peyton St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
 
Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, and health—as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.
 
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