Northwestern Mutual awards $10,000 grant to Make-A-Wish South Carolina

Volunteers help better their communities by donating their time and talents to improving the lives of others. In the spirit of volunteerism, Northwestern Mutual, through its Foundation, is recognizing Jodi Panagakos for her work with Make-A-Wish South Carolina as part of the company’s 19th annual Community Service Program. Panagakos is an associate financial representative at Northwestern Mutual – Greenville, South Carolina.

The award honors Northwestern Mutual financial professionals that demonstrate exemplary service with a local nonprofit. In addition, the award secures a $10,000 grant for the nonprofit the representative supports.

Make-A-Wish South Carolina grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. For the past three years, Panagakos has served as a wish-granting volunteer, using her compassion and business sense to grant some of the most challenging and sensitive wishes the South Carolina chapter has encountered.

“Seeing the smiles on sick children’s faces and sharing a moment of happiness during the most difficult time of their lives means more to me than I ever imagined,” said Panagakos. “I joined Make-A-Wish hoping to bless these children and they have blessed me so much more with their strength, courage and resilience.”

Make-A-Wish South Carolina will use the grant to identify medically-qualified children who have a wish and to recruit, train and recognize new volunteers to meet increased demand.

“If actions speak louder than words, then Jodi is definitely a shining star,” said John Kordsmeier, president, Northwestern Mutual Foundation. “Her volunteerism serves as an inspiration for all of us to share our passions with the hope of bettering the lives of others. Northwestern Mutual commends Jodi on being a model citizen and example to all of us.”

The Community Service Program honors 25 financial professionals throughout the country who consistently work as exceptional volunteers in their communities. Since 1995, the company has donated more than $3 million to nonprofits on behalf of its representatives.