West Bend Mutual Donates to 5 Minnesota Organizations

West Bend Mutual Insurance Company (West Bend) has partnered with its independent insurance agencies to support local organizations that are helping those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 78 independent agents in 14 states committed to donating $500 each; West Bend then pledged an additional $2,000 to each organization.

West Bend’s donations come from grants made through its Independent Agents’ Fund and are part of the company’s Spirit of the Silver Lining Awards. These awards and grants are presented annually to nonprofit organizations supported by the company’s independent insurance agents.

“What’s more meaningful about this effort is our agencies are making contributions, as well,” said Kelly Tighe, senior vice president of Sales at West Bend. “This is a true partnership.”

West Bend made the decision to support nonprofits that provide timely, essential services to people directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. These include food pantries, blood centers, and free clinics, among many others.

These organizations located in Minnesota will each receive a donation. View a complete list here.

West Bend Taking Action Amidst COVID-19

Policyholders: West Bend recently distributed one-time $50 checks to over 17,000 Minnesota residents. In addition, the company is extending premium due dates for all policyholders impacted by the crisis and automatically providing coverage on personal vehicles used by employees of restaurants that now offer delivery services.

Associates: West Bend’s associates number more than 1,300, all of whom are committed to providing exceptional service to policyholders and agents. As a small gesture of support, West Bend gifted each associate with a $150 bonus to use as a donation to a favorite nonprofit organization or toward restaurant carry-out or patronage of local businesses, both as a reward for their hard work in these trying times and as a way they can show support for businesses and organizations affected by the statewide Safer-At-Home orders.

Community: The West Bend Mutual Insurance Charitable Trust awarded grants to more than 20 nonprofit organizations, many of which provide direct support or relief for the COVID-19 crisis in the community. The two largest donations were awarded to Feeding America and the Red Cross of Southeast Wisconsin, which each received $50,000 to aid their noble pursuits to provide food, shelter, and blood to those in need during this very uncertain time.

Additional Information

Organizations such as the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance, the Department of Insurance, and the Department of Commerce in each state have compiled resources that businesses and individuals in those states can refer to for information and/or help. Information is linked on our website COVID-19 Resources.

West Bend strives to be a helpful resource to both agents and its policyholders and has compiled any updates regarding relief options on this page, West Bend Response.

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About West Bend Mutual Insurance

Founded in 1894, West Bend Mutual Insurance Company is headquartered in West Bend, Wisconsin, and provides property/casualty insurance products throughout the Midwest. The company offers a broad personal lines coverage package, a full range of commercial products and services, insurance for specialty lines and a surety division. West Bend employs more than 1,300 associates and is represented by approximately 1,500 independent insurance agencies throughout Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, Kansas, Kentucky, Nebraska, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. The company has been rated A (Excellent) or better by A.M. Best since 1971. West Bend also consistently ranks higher than its competitors in an agency loyalty survey.

About West Bend Mutual Insurance Charitable Trust

Since 2004, the West Bend Mutual Insurance Charitable Trust has provided more than $10.4 million to organizations in our community and across the Midwest. It also gives much-needed time, funds, and other resources to the West Bend community, including schools and other civic organizations.