Joshua Hale, Executive Director, Big Shoulders Fund (left) and Donald  J. Draudt, Financial Advisor, The McTigue Financial Group, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network(right) are surrounded by second graders at St. Sylvester School in Chicago.

"Northwestern Mutual is pleased to extend its financial strength to help support strong communities across the country,” said Edward J. Zore, chairman and chief executive officer of Northwestern Mutual. “Our financial representatives are deeply committed to serving their communities and in Chicago Don has led the way.”

The Community Service Award program is open to more than 9,000 Northwestern Mutual financial representatives and assistant financial representatives, recognizing exemplary volunteer involvement and dedication to charitable organizations and philanthropic projects.  Draudt is one of 25 winners nationwide who were named in the annual competition. Through the program funded by the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, more than $275,000 will be donated this year to various nonprofit organizations. 

“The opportunity to get involved and play a role in the empowerment of at-risk youth in Chicago is second to none.  Being a partner with the teachers, principals and pastors has only reinforced for me the importance Catholic schools play in the development of our future leaders,” said Draudt.

About Northwestern Mutual
The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company – Milwaukee, WI (Northwestern Mutual) has helped clients achieve financial security for more than 150 years.  Northwestern Mutual and its subsidiaries offer a holistic approach to financial security solutions including: life insurance, long-term care insurance, disability insurance, annuities, investment products, and advisory products and services. Subsidiaries include Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, member FINRA and SIPC; the Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company, limited purpose federal savings bank; and Northwestern Long Term Care Insurance Company; and Russell Investments. Further information can be found at http://www.northwesternmutual.com/.

The Northwestern Mutual Foundation is committed to improving quality of life by concentrating its charitable contributions in the areas of Education, Health and Human Services, and Arts and Culture. In 2008, the Northwestern Mutual Foundation contributed $19.5 million to community betterment, both locally and nationally.