James Metzger Is Walking Tall For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island

James Metzger Is Walking Tall For Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island

The volunteers, families and children who participate in the programs supported by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island (BBBSLI) have come to view James Metzger as a really big guy. Most have gone way beyond that description, claiming that he is "huge" to the continued success of the New York organization. They continually cite his contributions ideas, time and financial support that have helped the nonprofit ensure that children are befriended and guided during the formative years of their lives.

At its recent 12th annual presidential gala, BBBSLI honored Metzger as one of its "Men of the Year." Metzger is chairman and CEO of the Whitmore Group, a full-service independent insurance company. At BBBSLI, he is a member of the board and a donor partner to a new endowment fund.

BBBSLI also honored Andrew F. Corrado, senior vice president and market president for Nassau County for Capital One Bank. Corrado has served the nonprofit for close to 20 years as secretary and treasurer while supporting its annual bowl-a-thons, holiday toy drives and scholarship committee.

"I was overwhelmed and humbled by the support we received to make this year's celebration a huge success," said Metzger. "It's really all about those we help. We know how important it is for boys and girls to have the guidance and friendship of men and women who want to share their experiences with them and who are able to fill a void in their lives."

During his formative years, Metzger became an All-American high school and college lacrosse player on Long Island. He parlayed his sports achievements into an even more successful career as a prominent insurance executive and business owner. Metzger tells everyone he meets that the lessons learned on the sports field taught him everything he needed to know about business.

As Whitmore Group continued to expand in the New York City market, Metzger quickly realized that his sports success and business acumen placed him in a unique position to support a variety of programs that help children, young athletes and many other people. He is devoted, through service and philanthropic gifts, to giving back to his sport, his schools, his profession and the people of Long Island.

Metzger's contributions support grief and bereavement services through The Funeral Service Foundation. Earlier this year, he established a scholarship at Hofstra University and then cut the ribbon for the new lacrosse facilities that he funded at the school.

Metzger's commitments to BBBSLI now include an endowment fund established with fellow board member E. David Woycik. A former army colonel, Suffolk County District Attorney and special assistant U.S. attorney, Woycik is a partner and senior trial attorney at the Long Island firm of Sanders Sanders Block Woycik Viener & Grossman, P.C.

BBBSLI Board Member E. David Woycik and Presidential Honoree James C. Metzger.

The James C. Metzger & E. David Woycik, Jr. Endowment Fund, which is the largest single contribution received by the organization, has eased the worries of many volunteers, families and children about the future of the organization's mission. It has allowed the nonprofit, despite the depressed economy and the simultaneous downturn in private and corporate donations, to continue to provide adult mentors for at-risk children.

Since 1977, BBBSLI has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and shine. BBBSLI makes meaningful and professionally supported matches between adult volunteers ("Bigs") and children ("Littles"). The mission promotes the positive growth and development of Long Island's children by providing quality mentoring, education and support services. Benefits include improving the odds that "Littles" will perform better in school and avoid violence and illegal activities while enjoying stronger relationships with their parents and peers.

Visit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Long Island to learn more about initiatives for the children of Long Island and the work they will be able to accomplish with the contributions of Metzger and Woycik.

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