Oakland Insurance Helps Make-A-Wish Foundation with Wish Granting

Westfield’s Legacy of Caring Program donates $625,000 to Help Over 100 Nonprofits Across the Country

Clarkston, MI, July 26, 2022, — The economic fallout from the events of the last two years continues to hit some segments of the population harder than others. It could take years to return to the stability and security people and businesses, including nonprofits, enjoyed before a disaster happened. This spring, the Westfield Insurance Foundation joined together with Oakland Insurance to donate $5,000 to Make-A-Wish Foundation of Michigan to help families or businesses stabilize or recover from disasters as part of the Legacy of Caring program. Each year, Westfield’s independent insurance agents are invited to nominate a local nonprofit in their community to receive a donation from the program. Grants were made to over 100 nonprofits in cities within Westfield’s national footprint. 

The Westfield Insurance Foundation, an independent private foundation endowed by Westfield, awards the donation as an extension of the fundamental role that insurance plays every day in stabilizing families, businesses, and communities in times of uncertainty. This year, the Legacy of Caring program donated $625,000 to nonprofits across the country focused on helping under-employed families overcome barriers in education, finance, housing and jobs and recover from disasters.

“Our team at Oakland Insurance is always seeking out opportunities to volunteer and support our community,” said John Growney, President “We are proud of and grateful for our collaboration with Westfield, which helps our agency make a more powerful impact on the communities where we live and work.”

 “We are so grateful for the generous support of Make-A-Wish Michigan. Without this level of community support wishes would not be possible” said Mike Hull, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish Michigan. “The Legacy of Caring grant will have a direct impact on creating life changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.”

At Westfield, it’s more than writing insurance policies, it’s about going above and beyond to help people and families thrive and prosper. Offering support that reflects these values is at the core of the Westfield Insurance Foundation. Westfield is proud to work with their independent agents in distributing more than $3.5 million since 2015.

“Together with our agency partners, Westfield continues to build on the strong commitment to caring that the founders of our company imagined,” said Ed Largent, Westfield President, CEO, board chair and Westfield Insurance Foundation chairman. “We believe in the power of community, and we take immense pride in our ability to make meaningful contributions to better communities across the country. It’s a great feeling to link arms with our agents and make an impact.” 

About Oakland Insurance Agency

Oakland Insurance Agency has been serving the Metro Detroit Area, and surrounding communities, for nearly 30 years. They are dedicated to the principles of integrity, commitment, and security, and are proud to offer superior insurance products and customer service to families and businesses throughout the State of Michigan. Find out more about Oakland Insurance at www.OaklandInsurance.com.

Make-A-Wish Michigan

Together, we provide life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses. Providing family stability is at the forefront of our mission. Throughout Michigan, at least 800 children are diagnosed with a critical illness threatening their lives each year. Make-A-Wish wishes provide hope, and as a result have been shown to improve children’s quality of life, often serving as a turning point in battling a critical illness, giving badly needed respite to caregivers, and bringing members of a community together to support vulnerable families. 

There are nearly 650 Michigan children awaiting their wish. Wishes are more than a fun activity or event; they are literally life-changing opportunities for children and their families to reimagine life beyond illness. Support from Westfield Insurance helped to grant wishes like wish kid Dirk. 

Dirk, six years old from Kentwood diagnosed with cancer, had his wish to have a hot tub come true in December 2021. Leading up to the arrival of his wish, Mom shared Dirk was excited to tell everyone he knew about his hot tub and was proud that he wished for something his entire family could enjoy. When asked what it means to their family to receive a wish, Mom wrote: 

“Having a wish granted gives so much joy to us as a family. Dirk went through so much during treatment, and still does go through a lot. But his siblings had a part of their childhood robbed as well. They had parents missing from school events and significant milestones. They were constantly playing second fiddle. So, for this wish to be something our whole family can enjoy together, it acknowledges how we all need some joy in our lives. And it gives us a great activity to together regularly. And it means a lot to have a community that cares for families going through significant medical journeys.” 

Make A Wish

About Westfield Insurance Foundation

Westfield Insurance Foundation was established in 2005 as an independent private foundation endowed by Westfield Insurance. In keeping with the values of Westfield Insurance, the Foundation exists as a dedicated community and industry partner; concentrating resources to have an impact on safety, disaster recovery and family stability. The Foundation donates over $3 million annually to a variety of charities.

About Westfield

Westfield was founded in 1848 by a small group of hard-working farmers who believed in the promise of the future and the power of the individual. Today, as one of the nation’s leading property and casualty (P&C) companies, we remain true to their vision and are dedicated to your protection and prosperity and to the progress of our community. Visit westfieldinsurance.com for more information.