In the week leading up to Thanksgiving, Managing Partner Alex Tronco of Northwestern Mutual – Tronco Financial Group pledged $10,000 to the American Red Cross in the form of a challenge grant to help people affected by the California wildfires. In response, donors across the Eastern New York Region donated more than $12,700 through gifts made online, by phone and by mail. On Friday, Tronco presented Red Cross representatives with a check for $10,000, matching individual donations and fulfilling his generous pledge as the Red Cross continues its response in Northern California.

“We are deeply grateful to Alex Tronco for stepping up just in time for the holiday season, not only to help families affected by the deadly and destructive wildfires in California, but to inspire so many others to do the same,” said Kevin Coffey, Chief Development Officer for the American Red Cross Eastern New York Region. “The community response to this challenge was truly incredible. As Red Cross volunteers continue to provide support to wildfire survivors, we extend our thanks to every person who made a gift to meet and exceed this $10,000 match.”

“I am truly impressed by our community’s generosity. This is proof that working together can make such an incredible impact, especially for those still facing the devastation in California, many who do not have a home to return to this holiday season.  I share my sincere thank you with the donors, the Red Cross and all their volunteers,” said Alex Tronco, Managing Partner of Northwestern Mutual – Tronco Financial Group.

In the aftermath of the California Wildfires, hundreds of Red Cross volunteers are still on the ground, supporting shelters and providing meals, health services, spiritual care, emotional support, and other assistance for those in need. For the latest updates on this work, please visit redcross.org. 

_{About Northwestern Mutual:}

_{Northwestern Mutual has been helping families and businesses achieve financial security for 160 years.} Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company (NM), Milwaukee, WI (life and disability insurance, annuities, and life insurance with long-term care benefits) and its subsidiaries. Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, broker dealer, registered investment adviser, and member of FINR A and SIPC. Alex J Tronco, Managing Partner of NM. Managing Partners are not in legal partnership with each other, NM or its affiliates. Alex J Tronco, Registered Representative(s) of NMIS. Alex J Tronco, Representative(s) of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company ® (NMWMC ), Milwaukee, WI, (fiduciary and fee-based planning ) subsidiary of NM and a federal savings bank.

_{About the American Red Cross:}

_{The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit www.redcross.org.}