News Release
Broadview Heights, Ohio, 06/02/2017 — CERF+ received a grant from Westfield Insurance Foundation thanks to the help of ZINC. The grant is part of the Westfield Legacy of Caring program, which invites Westfield independent insurance agents to nominate a local nonprofit in the areas of disaster recovery, insurance pathways, family stability or safety. “Thanks to the generous donation from Westfield Insurance Foundation, we can increase our efforts toward helping artist communities rebuild their businesses after a major disaster," said Cornelia Carey, Executive Director of CERF+.
“We have strong relationships with our agents, and we value the important role they play in their communities,” said Ed Largent, Westfield President, CEO, board chair and Westfield Insurance Foundation chairman. “Our agents help provide peace of mind and security, and the Legacy of Caring fund is an extension of the fundamental role insurance playsevery day stabilizing families, businesses and communities.” “ZINC and its employees are proud members of the Broadview Heights community sponsoring local programs and events and supporting artist communities locally, out into the greater Cleveland area, and nationally through our artist insurance program, CERF+, and as a dedicated collector. Our collaboration with Westfield allows us to further our citizenship efforts and have impact in critically important initiatives,” said Seth Zaremba, ZINC owner.
CERF+ is one of 78 nonprofits nationwide receiving a Westfield Legacy of Caring grant—collectively totaling nearly $550,000. Westfield is proud to work with their independent agents in distributing nearly $1.3 million since the onset of the Legacy of Caring program in 2015.
About ZINC
From its start in 2008, Zinc has been an artist and community-centric company. Moreover, they embrace the post-industrial ethos: that it matters where things come from. This makes them selective in every way, from carrier to community. Westfield and CERF+ are examples of this careful selection—and examples of their direction when it comes to finding mutually beneficial community interaction. It’s their vision for sustainable growth and citizenship, one they plan to expand as they do the same.
About CERF+
CERF+ is the Artists Safety Net. Since 1985, their service network of fellow artists, art show producers and donors has pooled knowledge and funds to face career-threatening emergencies together. Readiness resources safeguard and sustain studio artist careers, artwork, workspaces and health. Relief resources help artists get back on their feet after disasters—with emergency funds available for those working in craft disciplines. They believe art is America’s commonwealth—and artists are its most precious asset. They envision a future where all professional artists thrive and are as well protected as the treasures they create.
CERF+ will be partnering with Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts in Gatlinburg, TN for its pilot Build Back Better Program. Arrowmont and its surrounding community of artists were deeply impacted by the devastating wildfires in November 2016.
About Westfield Insurance Foundation
Westfield Insurance Foundation was established in 2005 as an independent private foundation endowed by Westfield Insurance. In keeping with the values of Westfield Insurance, the Foundation exists as a dedicated community and industry partner; concentrating resources to have an impact on safety, disaster relief and family stability. The Foundation donates over $3 million annually to a variety of charities.
About Westfield Insurance
Westfield Insurance is a part of Westfield Group, a customer-focused insurance and banking group of businesses headquartered in Westfield Center, Ohio, and in business for nearly 170 years. Westfield Insurance provides commercial insurance in 21 states, personal insurance in 10 states and surety services to customers in 50 states. Westfield is one of the nation’s 50 largest property and casualty insurance groups, represented by a network of more than 1,000 independent insurance agencies. Westfield Insurance has won consecutive Gold and Silver Healthy Ohio Worksite Awards in 2016 and 2017 from the Ohio Department of Health and Healthy Ohio Business Council. Westfield Bank provides banking solutions for businesses and individuals, and Westfield Services provides service and training support for independent insurance agencies. Learn more about Westfield Group at www.WestfieldInsurance.com and www.Westfield-Bank.com.
