Community Connections
GAFRI considers involvement in the work of nonprofit charitable organizations a demonstration of our
core values. We support our associates' efforts to support the community
through a variety of programs and initiatives.
GAFRI's Community Support and Contributions program is an expression of our
corporate culture in that associates direct our support for community
organizations. Through this program, associates apply for monetary grants and
other support (such as surplus office supplies) on behalf of nonprofit
organizations and their efforts. An associate Community Support Team reviews
all grant applications and approves requests based on certain criteria. In
2008, 37 organizations – including food pantries, animal shelters, and soup
kitchens in the inner city – received grants through this GAFRI program.
Our associates participate in a variety of other volunteer activities as well.
For the past few years, we have launched in-house fundraising initiatives for the United Way and The
Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk, and holiday gift campaigns
to benefit a local orphanage and various community centers.
When needs arise, again and again, GAFRI associates lend their helping hands
through company-supported efforts.
Cincinnati, Ohio
July 18, 2008
Great American Financial Resources Inc., a member of the Great American Insurance
Group family of companies, is proud to announce its support in helping change
the lives of a West Chester, Ohio, family. The Cincinnati-based insurance
company—and the name behind the Great American Ball Park—is providing a
$100,000 college scholarship for the Akers children.
The Akers family is being featured on an upcoming episode of “Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition”. With the help of hundreds of volunteers and workers, the family’s
newly remodeled home is now more accessible for the special needs of their children.
“The mission of Great American Financial Resources is to help people—especially
educators—prepare for their financial future. It seems only fitting to provide for
the long-term financial needs of this well-deserving family,” said S. Craig Lindner,
President and Chief Executive Officer of Great American Financial Resources. “All
parents want to know their children are taken care of, and we’re proud to make
the future even brighter for Christian, Brooke and Faith. It’s our small way of
helping Great American dreams come true.”
In addition to its support of the “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” the company
is a corporate sponsor for the National Rural Education Association (NREA), an
organization committed to enhancing educational opportunities for rural children.
Great American Financial Resources also provides funding for the USA Today Literacy
Grant program, which distributes classroom newspaper subscriptions and related
lesson plans to teachers nationwide. Locally, the company sponsors the Great
American Teacher of the Week program, which recognizes Tri-State area educators.
“We recognize the importance of education and are committed to honoring those
who make the future brighter for our children,” said Lindner. “This college
scholarship allows us the opportunity to directly impact the lives of a local
family, who is clearly an inspiration for us all.”
About Our Companies
Great American Financial Resources markets traditional fixed, indexed and
variable annuities and various forms of supplemental insurance. The company’s
subsidiaries include Great American Life Insurance Company, Annuity Investors
Life Insurance Company, United Teachers Associates Insurance Company and Loyal
American Life Insurance Company.
Great American Insurance Group’s roots go back to 1872 with the founding of
its flagship company, Great American Insurance Company. In addition to Great
American Financial Resources, the operations of Great American Insurance Group
are engaged primarily in property and casualty insurance, focusing on specialty
commercial products for businesses. This year marks the 100th year that Great
American Insurance Company has received an “A” (Excellent) or higher rating
from the A.M. Best Company (most recent rating evaluation effective on
December 17, 2007). The members of the Great American Insurance Group are
subsidiaries of American Financial Group, Inc. (AFG), also based in Cincinnati,
Ohio. AFG’s common stock is listed and traded on the New York Stock Exchange
(“NYSE”) and Nasdaq under the symbol (“AFG”).
About ABC-TV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
“Extreme Makeover: Home Edition”, which has won back-to-back Emmy Awards as Best
Reality Program (non-competitive), is entering its 6th season on ABC. The program
is produced by Endemol USA, a division of Endemol Holding. Anthony Domonici is
the executive producer; and David Goldberg is the president of Endemol USA.
Light The Night Walk
The Light The Night Walk, which is The Leukemia & Lymphoma
Society's nationwide evening walk, was created to build awareness of blood
cancers and raise funds for cures. During this annual fundraiser, walkers carry
illuminated balloons (white for survivors and red for supporters) to celebrate
and commemorate those lives who have been touched by cancer.
Chuck Scheper, Chief Operating Officer at GAFRI, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin
lymphoma in March 1992 and knows how vital Light The Night fundraising is for
supporting cancer research: "The treatment I received in my battle with cancer
was considered experimental. Without funding for research from groups such as
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, that treatment might not have become
available." Cancer free for nearly 15 years, Chuck knows firsthand that
becoming involved sends ripples of positive impact to those striving to achieve
wellness.
Serving America's Educators
GAFRI subsidiaries have been providing retirement solutions to educators for more than 30 years,
so it is fitting that the Company has a major focus on supporting teachers in their
work and improving education through a variety of programs.
National Rural Education Association
Great American Financial Resources®, Inc., is proud to be a corporate partner with the
National Rural Education Association.
The NREA's vision statement proclaims that "The NREA will be the leading national
organization providing services which enhance educational opportunities for rural
schools and their communities."
As part of our sponsorship, GAFRI is proud to support the NREA Communities and Rural
Education Service Award (C.A.R.E.S.). The award recognizes outstanding efforts to
build strong ties between rural school districts and the communities they serve.
The winning school district is honored with a $5,000 prize and will be recognized
at the annual NREA Convention.
This flier provides more information on the award.
To nominate a school district,
please complete this entry form.
Teacher of the Week
The Great American® Teacher of the Week program – sponsored by Great
American Financial Resources®, Inc., and Warm 98 (a Cincinnati radio
station) and broadcast weekly on Cincinnati's WLWT-TV – thanks and
recognizes educators for their hard work and dedication in the classroom.
Nominated by their students throughout the school year, winning educators are
chosen from the Greater Cincinnati area and receive a surprise classroom visit
with a tote full of prizes and a pizza party for the class.
A total of 13 educators were awarded this honor
during the 2007-2008 school year. The Great American Teacher of the
Week program has given students and parents across the Tri-state an opportunity
to thank educators who are making a significant educational impact in the
classroom.
USA TODAY Financial Literacy Initiative
GAFRI has partnered with USA TODAY to create Independent Living 101, a series of
free lesson plans for educators to use in the classroom. Each of the 14 lessons will be
posted online for unlimited use and discussion in the classroom. Based on actual articles
from USA TODAY, lesson topics include saving for now and for later, being prepared
for a financial crisis, using credit cards, protecting yourself from online scams and much
more. The lessons will enable educators to use real-world examples to help teach students
about finances and planning for the future.
The Ron Clark Academy
GAFRI provides support to the Ron Clark Academy,
based in Atlanta, Georgia. The innovative,
nonprofit school serves students in grades 5-8
who are from low-wealth areas. It is being funded primarily through donations from individuals, foundations, and
corporate gifts. Ron Clark, the school’s cofounder and a former Disney American Teacher of the
Year, has been recognized for his tireless work and dedication to making a difference in the
lives of children. Mr. Clark has made numerous presentations to GAFRI employees and distribution
partners from across the country, emphasizing the importance of outstanding education and
delivering his message of hope.
The Lunch Buddies and Playground Pals
Each Wednesday, during the past two school years, GAFRI associates visited the John G. Carlisle Elementary School in Covington, Kentucky, to spend quality time with its students. (Covington is right across the Ohio River from GAFRI's Home Office.) These volunteers engaged in positive play and dialogue with the children during the lunch and recess period. The goal of the program is to help students overcome barriers that interfere with academic success.
Carol Dedischew, Industry Relations Director at GAFRI, is one of the enthusiastic volunteers who visited the school this past year: "I really enjoyed being involved with the kids. I'd recommend the experience to anyone sincerely interested in having a positive impact on a child – however small it might seem. Having someone take time to just 'talk' and ask what's important to them can make a difference. They feel valued and important. You can see how much it means to them by the looks in their eyes and the smiles on their faces – their 'Buddy' is there."
Through their dynamic interactions, these GAFRI role models shared a piece of their day with young people facing a variety of challenges. According to the mentoring project coordinator, "The kids really enjoyed it." So did we!
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