Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Giving Tuesday: Reflections from our CEO, Mike Shunney - Brown & Brown Absence Services Group

As difficult as it is to say goodbye to the warm summer weather each year, I truly enjoy the natural peace of the fall and the time it provides for reflection to give thanks. As I ready myself for long-held holiday traditions, I take pleasure in knowing that I will also be celebrating new additions to my family and the successes of my loved ones over the past year. While I give thanks for these blessings, I am reminded of a principle that has played a significant role in my life since I was young.

I grew up in a household that believed in the principle, “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Community service has always been close to my heart and still plays an active part in my life today. Growing up, the Home for the Little Wanderers was very important to my mom and, as kids, we all followed suit – I even continued that support into my professional life. In addition, I am very proud of the over 15 years that I sat on the Board of Trustees for the Doug Flutie, Jr. Autism Foundation – what a wonderful and enriching experience!

As I consider community service and giving back a pillar in my life, I am happy to see the rise of #GivingTuesday over the past several years. While Thanksgiving has always been a time to give thanks, as the consumer holidays that follow – Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday – grow in popularity, I appreciate this day even more. In our fast-paced environment, it is particularly important to take the time to sit back and reflect – Giving Tuesday is a perfect time to do that.

I am incredibly proud of my Brown & Brown Absence Services Group teammates. Over the years, we have dedicated a great deal of time to helping support causes that reflect the values of our organization. This year, our Diversity & Inclusion Committee is running an internal trivia contest for #GivingTuesday – a fun way for our teammates to get involved in choosing who will receive a donation from our organization!

In honor of #GivingTuesday, I am pleased to talk about three organizations Brown & Brown is proud to support. After two years of pandemic restrictions, I was excited to spend time with my teammates participating in events that benefit these great organizations.

    • Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC) of Maine
      The Ronald McDonald House provides a “home away from home” for families with children who require medical treatment at a facility that is a distance from their home, keeping families together during a crucial and vulnerable time. We have been supporting RMHC for several years and were excited to participate 30th annual Golf Tournament over the summer and the Purses with a Purpose event this past spring.
    • The Tony Foundation
      Founded by Tony Laudadio, a two-time cancer survivor, the Tony Foundation provides crucial financial support to those facing a life-altering cancer diagnosis. We were proud to sponsor the 5th annual Drive Away Cancer Golf Tournament and look forward to continuing to participate in the future!
    • Notre Dame Cristo Rey (NDCR) High School
      Notre Dame Cristo Rey High School is a private, Catholic, college preparatory high school serving 290 economically disadvantaged youth. NDCR is part of the Cristo Rey Network, whose education model is built around the Corporate Work Study Program (CWSP), a unique partnership with the business community. We are proud to have employed nearly a dozen NDCR students over the last five years, as well as to sponsor its annual gala.

It has been a wonderful year filled with celebrating and supporting these fantastic organizations. We have many blessings within our organization, and I am proud to extend those in assisting others. As we wrap up the Thanksgiving season and move headlong into the winter, I remind you that the season of giving does not end with Giving Tuesday. Be sure to extend your thanks and blessings as you can. I wish you a very happy #GivingTuesday!