FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 15, 2002

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Jennifer May, PIIAI Industry Affairs Coordinator
(217) 793-6660 or jmay@piiai.org

Tom and Mary Walsh Honored for Outstanding Community Service

(Springfield, IL) - The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois (PIIAI) honored Tom and Mary Walsh, TW Group Inc. in Westmont, for outstanding community service during the association's annual convention in Springfield.

They will be recognized for working to help the American Cancer Society by serving on the "Hoops for Life" Committee. Tom's brothers became involved with the annual basketball tournament several years after their father died of cancer, and as a result, Tom and his wife became involved.

Each year, the agency sponsors a basketball court for event. Tom and Mary Walsh, owners of the TW Group Inc., donate their time to make the event in Hinsdale a success. Other agency employees also donate time to the tournament when possible.

The "Hoops for Life" tournament is an annual statewide and national charitable event that raises funds for the American Cancer Society's efforts to prevent cancer. Proceeds go to fund research and raise awareness about prevention and early detection of cancer.

Hoops for Life is a 3-day, 3-on-3-basketball tournament that has become one of the most significant fundraising events in Illinois. In the past, the program attracted over 200 corporate sponsors and more than 5,000 players in 18 tournaments held throughout the state, and raised more than $350,000.

The Professional Independent Insurance Agents of Illinois is an association representing independent insurance agents throughout the state. PIIAI membership is comprised of 1,500 insurance agencies representing 12,000 licensed independent agents engaged in all facets of the insurance industry, including property, casualty, life and health. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. In addition to serving the professional needs of members, PIIAI works for the betterment of the insurance industry through legislative and consumer awareness programs. The PIIAI is headquartered in Springfield, Illinois. Visit PIIAI's consumer website at www.ChooseIndependent.com or agent website at www.piiai.org.
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