Submitted by: Robin Reeves, Agent
Alabama, September 2, 2021 — The Huntsville/ Madison NAACP Local Chapter announced that the Stepping Forward Walkathon, organized by representatives from African American Market Unit (AAMU) from New York Life’s Huntsville Office, lead by Team Captain Robin Reeves, Agent, resulted in a $6,000.00 grant to the organization. The nationwide event honors the legacy of Cirilo McSween, a New York Life trailblazer and the company’s first Black agent, while bringing awareness to High Blood Pressure Education & Stroke Awareness Month.
The New York Life Foundation donated the funding to local NAACP chapters for each hour of walking logged by each team. Participants were asked to walk at a minimum of 30 minutes a day for 30 days between May 10 and June 8, 2021. The Stepping Forward Walkathon consisted of over 500 Captains and Members across the country.
“We are grateful to the efforts of the AAMU team from New York Life’s Huntsville General Office and the New York Life Foundation for donating to our organization,” said Huntsville/ Madison NAACP Chapter President Mrs. Yolanda Caudle. “The support will help to fund our Empowerment Programs that address health, education, and economic opportunity, which are needed now more than ever.”
“We are proud to pay tribute to Cirilo’s journey hitchhiking from Champaign, Ill., to New York City to become the first black New York Life agent in 1957. Additionally, the Stepping Forward Walkathon promotes the health and wellness of our agents, managers, and our community as we honor National High Blood Pressure Education and National Stroke Awareness Month,” said Robin Reeves, agent and leader of New York Life’s AAMU team. “We are committed to making a difference in the community by contributing our time and talents to local organizations like the NAACP that are having a positive and long-lasting impact on the community.
ABOUT THE NEW YORK LIFE FOUNDATION
Inspired by New York Life’s tradition of service and humanity, the New York Life Foundation has, since its founding in 1979, provided nearly $360 million in charitable contributions to national and local nonprofit organizations. The Foundation supports programs that benefit young people, particularly in the areas of educational enhancement and childhood bereavement. The Foundation also encourages and facilitates the community involvement of employees and agents of New York Life through its Volunteers for Good program and Grief-Sensitive Schools Initiative. To learn more, please visit www.newyorklifefoundation.org or www.newyorklife.com/ agent/rreeves.