Whittier Street Health Center Raises Over $1 Million at Annual Roast Fundraising Gala Honoring Liberty Mutual Insurance Chairman David Long

BOSTON, April 11, 2023 (Newswire.com) - Whittier Street Health Center, a community health center with a mission to serve as a center of excellence that provides high quality and accessible health care and social services that achieve health equity, social justice, and the economic well-being of a diverse patient population, honored David Long, executive chairman of Liberty Mutual Insurance, at its Annual Roast Gala held on April 6 at the Boston Park Plaza Hotel.

This signature fundraising event shines a light on city standout business leaders and philanthropists, blending sincere gratitude with lighthearted jests. Long was celebrated by Frederica M. Williams, president and CEO of Whittier Street Health Center, for "his legacy of good." Over $1 million was raised during the evening, which serves as critical financial support for Whittier to provide equitable access to high-quality healthcare and social services to patients regardless of their ability to pay.

The evening, embracing a sports theme in recognition of Long's love of soccer, was "refereed" by Karen Holmes Ward, director of public affairs and community services at WCVB and host and executive producer of "CityLine." Roasters of Long included Liberty Mutual President and CEO Timothy Sweeney, last year's honoree Joseph R. Nolan of Eversource Energy, Frank Doyle of Cornell Limited Partnership, and the honoree's brother, Steve Long.  John Kim, founder and managing partner of Brewer Lane Ventures, served as video presenter.   

As executive chairman of Liberty Mutual Insurance, the sixth-largest global property and casualty insurer, Long leads the company's board of directors, overseeing corporate activities and evaluating performance on behalf of Liberty Mutual stakeholders. Long began his career with the company in 1985. He was elected chief executive officer in 2011 and served in this role until December 2022.

As the company's leader, Long shaped Liberty Mutual into the sixth-largest property and casualty insurer in the world, growing it into a $49 billion organization ranked number 78 on the Fortune 100. Throughout his time, Long also shepherded his company's philanthropy, workplace culture, and efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion. He quadrupled Liberty Mutual's charitable giving, supported the creation of Liberty Torchbearers, provided support for those on the autism spectrum to achieve success, and partnered with nonprofit leaders.

"David Long is a very special man. Over his four-decade career, he has fought for health equity, workplace equity, equal opportunity, and inclusion in every setting. He truly believes in these ideals and, more importantly, he has used his position and his power to make them happen. 

"We are so grateful to all who came out to recognize David and support our organization during the gala, and to everyone who made the event possible through their hard work and commitment," Williams continued.

Source: Whittier Street Heatlh Center