Easter Seals UCP (United Cerebral Palsy), a nonprofit that provides critical programs and services to individuals with disabilities and special needs, was presented with a generous $25,000 donation today from Northwestern Mutual Foundation . The grant is in recognition of Richard Worrell, managing director of Northwestern Financial in Charlotte, being named the Most Exceptional Volunteer in the company’s 17th annual national Community Service Award program. Worrell is a long-time supporter of Easter Seals UCP and has a son who has benefitted from the nonprofit’s services.

View Richard’s story: http://www.youtube.com/northwesternmutual#p/u/8/U4oQOvU3aGc.

The $25,000 donation will be designated to support a multi-sensory environment room at the Easter Seals UCP Children’s Center in Charlotte. The multi-sensory environment will offer a safe place for children with multi-sensory disorders and be the first in the Charlotte area open to the community.

“We are extremely grateful for the support we have received from Richard Worrell and the Northwestern Mutual Foundation,” said Betsy Dailey, Mecklenburg community director for Easter Seals UCP. “Our Children’s Center has benefitted tremendously from Northwestern Mutual Foundation’s designated grants over the past couple of years, which have allowed us to provide even more services and better equipment to help our children with special needs progress in their development. ”

Worrell’s son was born with a rare birth defect that caused him to have significant development challenges. After discovering the Easter Seals UCP Children’s Center, his son was able to attend a school that allowed him to prosper developmentally and mentally through specialized therapies, while being in an inclusive classroom. As a result of seeing the benefits his son received through Easter Seals UCP, the Worrell family became active supporters of the nonprofit, even after his son graduated from the preschool two years ago.

“Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner for children and adults with disabilities, helping them to maximize their potential,” said Worrell. “I am most grateful to Northwestern Mutual's generosity for this grant, which will be dedicated to building a multi-sensory environment room at the Easter Seals Children's Development Center in Charlotte,” he added.

The Community Service Award program is open to more than 9,000 Northwestern Mutual financial representatives and assistant financial representatives, recognizing their individual dedication to charitable organizations and philanthropic projects. Since the program’s inception, over $3 million has been contributed to more than 300 non-profit organizations throughout the country.

About Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia

Headquartered in Raleigh, NC with programs and services throughout North Carolina and Virginia, Easter Seals UCP is a lifelong partner to families managing disabilities and mental health challenges. The nonprofit serves more than 20,000 individuals and their families annually through an array of services. Easter Seals UCP enhances the quality of life for individuals and maximizes their potential for engaging in their communities. For more information on Easter Seals UCP North Carolina & Virginia, please visit www.eastersealsucp.com.

About Northwestern Mutual The mission of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation – the largest corporate giver in the state of Wisconsin – is to build strong, vibrant communities that serve as a legacy to future generations. The Foundation’s giving is designed to create an impact on the communities where the company’s employees and financial representatives live and work. In fiscal year 2011, the Foundation contributed more than $15 million to nonprofit organizations across the country.

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