MassMutual Donates $155,000 To Non-Profit Organizations On Behalf Of Financial Professionals

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., June 12, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) has awarded $155,000 to eligible non-profit organizations through its annual Community Service Awards (CSA) program. The awards are given on behalf of MassMutual financial professionals who demonstrate outstanding commitment to non-profit organizations in their local community.

New this year, MassMutual has increased its giving to include six $5,000 Silver awards in addition to its usual ten $10,000 Gold awards and a top $25,000 Platinum award.

"At MassMutual, we are proud of the significant impact our financial professionals have on their communities.  What better way to encourage more of them to volunteer than to recognize those that are highly dedicated to helping others," said Nick Fyntrilakis, Vice President of Community Responsibility, MassMutual. "We are delighted to expand our program this year to honor more individuals who are making a positive difference in their communities across the country."

This year's $25,000 Platinum Award winner is Darren Scrimpshire, a financial professional with MassMutual South Texas, in San Antonio, TX.Mr. Scrimpshire is being recognized for his work with San Antonio Fitness, Independent, & Recreational Environment (SAFIRE), a day activity center for young adults with intellectual disabilities that focuses on healthy lifestyles, continuing education and pre-vocational skills.

Mr. Scrimpshire was instrumental in helping found SAFIRE three years ago after he and a friend noticed a need in the community for physical and educational programs targeted toward individuals with mid-level intellectual disabilities who are ineligible for public school programs.

Being involved with the Special Olympics since the age of 14, Mr. Scrimpshire says the reason he is so dedicated to SAFIRE is because he knows the potential that individuals with intellectual disabilities have, and is impressed by their commitment.

"When I work with people who have intellectual disabilities I am totally inspired because they give 110 percent no matter what," said Scrimpshire.

This year is MassMutual's 18^th year presenting Community Service Awards. Each award recognizes the many selfless hours of volunteer time and talent members of MassMutual's financial professionals put in during the year to improve their communities. MassMutual has contributed more than $1.4 million to charitable organizations across the country through its CSA program since its inception in 1996.

The CSA program is just one of a variety of philanthropic programs sponsored by MassMutual in support of non-profit organizations where its financial professionals live and work. Last year, in total, MassMutual provided nearly $8 million in philanthropic investments throughout the United States of which over $900,000 supported organizations in honor of our financial professionals. 

The following financial professionals have been awarded grants for their local non-profit organizations:

About MassMutual
Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyowners. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyholders continuously since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, LLC, Member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

For more information, visit www.massmutual.com or find MassMutual on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Google+.

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Contact: Laura DeMars413-744-7181

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SOURCE MassMutual