News

April 18, 2019

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region Awarded $15,000 Grant on Behalf of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisor

From connecting families with housing and food resources to providing valuable mentorship opportunities to local youth, Northwestern Mutual financial advisors are leading impactful change in their communities across the country. Through its Foundation, the company is recognizing these efforts through its 2019 Community Service Awards program by awarding nearly $300,000 in grants to nonprofits nationwide.

Each year, Northwestern Mutual selects 16 financial advisors nationwide to receive grants to benefit a nonprofit of their choice as part of the program. Local resident Peter Mortka, a Wealth Management Advisor at Northwestern Mutual – Albany, has been chosen as a 2019 Community Service Award recipient, receiving a $15,000 grant for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.

Mortka has been involved with the organization for over seven years. As a board member, Mortka has led many fundraising events and provided fund development advisement to the team. He has secured corporate sponsorships for the organization, and also sponsors his staff’s annual participation in Bowl for Kid’s Sake, the signature fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region.
“Most of these children have no stability or constants in their lives,” said Mortka. “These children will grow into adults that will shape our world, and we are working to make sure that they become the best versions of themselves.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region provides children who are facing adversity with strong, enduring and professionally supported one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better. The organization will use the grant to support making new matches with community youth and helping new mentors recruit volunteers.

“Every year I’m amazed by the enthusiasm our advisors exhibit for nonprofit support in their communities,” said Eric Christophersen, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Giving back is such an integral piece of our company culture, and our Community Service Award winners truly embody this through the meaningful work they’re accomplishing.”

This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Community Service Awards program. Since the program’s inception, the Foundation has donated nearly $6 million to nonprofits on behalf of program winners. The 2019 winners were announced at the company’s regional meetings earlier this year, with grants presented to nonprofits at local events throughout the country.