“We definitely plan to engage and help more this year because the vision of the charity is something we truly believe in,” says Berge. With that in mind, NYL plans to be more involved with the charity throughout 2014 as more fundraising events are confirmed. You really get a sense that you’re helping people right in your community.” We go to the events and we see the firefighters and their families and friends. “It’s not like that with Widows & Orphans. There are a lot of charities that are grand in scope, but you can’t see the effect of your help,” Ted continues. “The thing I loved witnessing the most was the sense of family and community. That cohesion against a backdrop of camaraderie confirmed to Ted just how valuable the charity is to the firefighting family.
“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.” “It was a good familial event and we expected to have a lot of fun,” assures Berge. 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. That opportunity arrived with the 2013 El Coyote Café Salsa event last November. “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.”īerge, 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. “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 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. 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.