National Press Release

SANTA CLARITA, Calif., Jan. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Explorer Insurance Company, the auto insurance carrier and member company of ICW Group Insurance Companies, announced a pledge of $5,000 to benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters this holiday season. Explorer was drawn to support Big Brothers Big Sisters, the largest youth-mentoring organization in the United States in part because of their effective use of partnership between concerned community members and vulnerable children to carry out the organization's essential mission. Explorer has based the foundation of its business and brand strategy on collaborative, mutually beneficial partnership between Explorer and independent insurance agents and brokers. The company was seeking a charitable organization that shares a similar commitment to success through partnership and found a common approach in BBBS.

In addition to the cash donation, Explorer included information about Big Brothers Big Sisters as an insert to its holiday card, which was sent to over 1,000 affiliated insurance brokers and agents. The insert provides an opportunity for recipients to join Explorer in supporting Big Brothers Big Sisters' work of "expanding horizons through the power of one-to-one friendships" and provides a customized link to facilitate additional donations.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters has demonstrated time and time again that partnership works," said Mary Boyd, Managing Director of Explorer Insurance. "Individualized attention from concerned adults keeps kids in school and focused on a better future. By helping kids stay out of trouble and see new possibilities, BBBS sets the foundation for a brighter tomorrow for the youth served, as well as for our collective communities. We applaud their work and impact, and invite everyone to learn more about how we can each make a positive impact on our communities."

Big Brothers Big Sisters expressed its gratitude to the Explorer family for its creativity and generosity. Kelly Williams, Director of Media and Public Relations for Big Brothers Big Sisters, noted that the contribution will assist the organization as it changes perspectives and lives in communities across America.

Those who wish to make a donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters may visit www.bbbs.org/donate.explorer, and select the Donate Now option.

About Explorer Insurance Company

Explorer Insurance Company offers private passenger and commercial auto insurance in California and Florida exclusively through independent agents and brokers. Explorer is a member company of ICW Group Insurance Companies, a group of multi-line property and casualty insurance carriers who provide workers' compensation, surety, commercial property, DIC and personal and business auto insurance. Explorer is headquartered in Santa Clarita, California. ICW Group continues to transform itself into an insurance industry leader dedicated to meeting the needs of its agents and brokers and the people and companies they service. More information is available at http://www.explorer-insurance.com/.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters helps vulnerable children beat the odds. The organization depends on donations to help recruit volunteers and reach more children. Funding is used to conduct background checks on volunteers and reach more children; and provide ongoing support for children, families and volunteers to build and sustain long-lasting relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters is proven to increase children's odds of succeeding in school, behaving nonviolently, avoiding drugs and alcohol, and breaking negative cycles. Headquartered in Philadelphia, and with nearly 400 agencies across the country, Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than a quarter million children. Learn how you can change how children grow up in America by visiting BigBrothersBigSisters.org.

    Media Contacts:
    For Explorer Insurance Company
    Mary Boyd
    Managing Director
    Explorer Insurance Company
    800.788.8984
    mboyd@explorer-insurance.com

    For Big Brothers Big Sisters
    Kelly Williams
    Director of Public Relations
    Big Brothers Big Sisters
    215.665.7793
    kelly.williams@bbbs.org

SOURCE Explorer Insurance Company