Children and families affected by childhood cancer often find themselves lacking supportive communities that understand their medical and emotional needs. To help provide this support, Northwestern Mutual employees and financial advisors across the country dedicate their time to fundraising and volunteer efforts with childhood cancer-related organizations. This year, the Northwestern Mutual – Houston office has been recognized as one of the company’s Childhood Cancer Impact Award winners for its contributions to the cause, receiving $50,000 to be donated to local nonprofits.

Northwestern Mutual – Houston has shown outstanding support to childhood cancer organizations, including Beads of Courage, The Periwinkle Foundation and Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, Northwestern Mutual’s national philanthropic childhood cancer research partner. As part of the office’s award, The Periwinkle Foundation has been designated to receive a $40,000 grant. Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation will receive the remaining funds.

“A future without childhood cancer starts with a genuine commitment to fund research and provide ongoing support to those impacted,” said Jeff Reeter, managing partner, Northwestern Mutual – Houston. “Our team is heavily invested in the fight against this disease, and organizations like The Periwinkle Foundation offer incredible opportunities for us to help make a real difference.”

Since 2016, the office has raised over $80,000 for The Periwinkle Foundation. From galas and wine events to kickball and Camp Periwinkle Days at Texas Children’s Hospital, the office is involved in the planning and execution of the majority of the organization’s events. In addition, Northwestern Mutual – Houston successfully secured housing for The Periwinkle Foundation’s camp volunteers through the use of Reeter’s nearby ranch.

The Periwinkle Foundation supports those affected by childhood cancer and other lifethreatening illnesses through camps, arts and survivor programs. These programs, including the Periwinkle Arts in Medicine Program at Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Centers, Periwinkle camps and the Long Term Survivor program, play an important role in the overall healing process. The grant will be used to fund Camp Periwinkle Days and other Periwinkle programs.

A total of $250,000 has been donated through Northwestern Mutual’s 2019 Childhood Cancer Impact Awards, which recognizes four regional winners. Each office selected one or more childhood cancer focused nonprofit organizations to receive grant funds totaling $50,000 to $100,000 on its behalf.

The Childhood Cancer Impact Awards program is one of many ways the Northwestern Mutual Childhood Cancer Program helps fight childhood cancer. Nearly $1.7 million in grants has been donated through this program, and Northwestern Mutual has contributed $25 million in total to the cause since 2012.