Award recognizes the company’s commitment to community service, philanthropy and environmental conservation
Washington, D.C.— The National Association of Broadcasters Leadership Foundation today announced Mutual of Omaha as the recipient of the Corporate Leadership Award. They will receive the honor during the 2024 Celebration of Service to America Awards, presented by Bonneville International and Hearst Television and held in Washington, D.C., on June 4 at The Anthem.
Each year, the Corporate Leadership Award is presented to a leading business outside of the broadcast industry, showcasing an outstanding dedication to community service and corporate social responsibility.
Mutual of Omaha, a Fortune 500 company with a 115-year legacy, embodies a philosophy centered around helping people in their time of need. This dedication extends beyond their core business of providing financial services to include charitable giving, community involvement and a commitment to environmental conservation.
“We are so excited to be honoring Mutual of Omaha for their enduring purpose of serving people in time of need and providing support to so many community and nonprofit programs,” said NAB Leadership Foundation President Michelle Duke. “It’s also meaningful to note how Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom has inspired and influenced so many generations to conserve and protect wildlife and the environment. It’s a nod to how quality programming and broadcast television can make a difference for over 60 years.”
Mutual of Omaha’s corporate giving initiatives are extensive and impactful, including sponsorships of over 70 nonprofit fundraising events, grants supporting the local arts community and a robust employee volunteer program. Since 2022, Mutual of Omaha has provided more than $22 million in support from the corporation and foundation to nonprofits, and in 2023 alone, employees across 36 states contributed 12,000 volunteer hours to 289 nonprofit organizations.
The company’s commitment to environmental conservation is exemplified through “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom," a beloved television series that has inspired generations to protect wildlife and habitats. Established in 1963, "Wild Kingdom" has not only entertained audiences but also contributed significantly to conservation efforts. Today, the show continues its mission through the new series “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom Protecting the Wild," produced by Hearst Media Production Group and reaching over 1 million viewers weekly on NBC; the show recently received four Daytime Emmy Award nominations.
“Mutual of Omaha has a long-standing commitment to volunteer service, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility. This award celebrates the generosity of our 6,000+ employees and the $70 million collective impact of the Mutual of Omaha Foundation,” said Gail Graeve, vice president of social impact and executive director of the Mutual of Omaha Foundation. “We are especially proud to accept NAB Leadership Foundation’s Corporate Leadership Award for 2023 because this year also marked the 60th anniversary of Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. We continue our legacy of protection and conservation by inspiring the future generation to preserve species under threat of extinction in our modern world. This award is a testament to our commitment to social impact and the belief that together, we can create a better world for all.”
In addition to the Corporate Leadership Award, the Celebration of Service to America Awards will recognize local television and radio stations, as well as broadcast groups, for their outstanding public service.
For more information about the awards and event, visit servicetoamericaawards.org.
The NAB Leadership Foundation was established 30 years ago as a nonprofit entity by the National Association of Broadcasters to dedicate resources towards developing programs that specifically serve broadcast professionals. The mission of the Foundation is to recruit dynamic and talented individuals for careers in broadcasting, advance diversity within the industry and recognize the community impact of local television and radio stations. Learn more at nabfoundation.org.
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