A Record Breaking United Way Campaign for CNO

CARMEL, Ind., Nov. 1, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Carmel based employees of CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) pledged more than $240,000 to this year's United Way workplace campaign, exceeding the company's goal by nearly five percent.  Including additional pledges from CNO employees in Chicago, Philadelphia and Dallas, along with the company's matching contribution of $145,000, the campaign raised more than $505,000 for United Way organizations in CNO's four major office locations.

"Even in this tough economic time, our employees stepped-up and gave so generously to support the charitable efforts that United Way provides in the communities where we work and live," said Ed Bonach, CEO of CNO Financial Group.  "As a company that's been based in central Indiana for more than three decades with a long standing commitment to community service, it's a great feeling to know that we are giving back to the communities that have provided us so much support over the years."  

CNO and its employees have participated in the United Way workplace campaign for more than 11 years.

"In uncertain times like these, some may be tempted to scale back their giving," said Ellen K. Annala, president and CEO, United Way of Central Indiana. "But the good folks at CNO see United Way as one of the best ways to help people solve their problems and create lasting change.  Our mission resonates so strongly with the company and its employees that they are not only continuing their long-time support, but ramping it up. Their giving, volunteering and advocating for change is helping to create the kind of community that we all want to work and live in, and we are deeply grateful for it."

Other CNO highlights:

• In all, over 1,400 CNO employees pledged more than $360,000 to the campaign, up nearly nine percent over last year.
• Employees in every CNO location donated to the campaign (Carmel, Chicago, Dallas and Philadelphia).
• Concurrent with the pledge campaign, CNO's Carmel employees raised an additional $3,000 for United Way of Central Indiana through a silent auction.

CNO's 2011 United Way campaign was chaired by Ken Kueber and Jim Sawaya, both supporters of United Way of Central Indiana.  Also leading the charge for the Carmel location were the campaign team captains: Tim Bischof, Scott Drlik, Christie Fowler, Brian Fulwider, Lesley Hanslope, Kelly Honn and Connie Miller.  David Vega and Mike Weir lead the efforts in Chicago; Leanne McArthy in Dallas; and Carolyn O'Donnell and Mariana Rivera spearheaded the campaign in Philadelphia.  Additional campaign support was provided by Bev Boser, Melissa Duong, Media Oakes, Jennifer Ortega, Mary Ann Ray and Sable Tidd.  

About CNO
CNO is a holding company.  Our insurance subsidiaries – principally Bankers Life and Casualty Company, Colonial Penn Life Insurance Company and Washington National Insurance Company – serve working American families and seniors by helping them protect against financial adversity and provide for a more secure retirement.  For more information, visit CNO online at www.CNOinc.com.

About United Way
United Way is a worldwide network in 40 countries and territories, including more than 1,200 local organizations in the U.S.  It advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the three key building blocks of education, income and health.  United Way recruits people and organizations who bring the passion, expertise and resources needed to get things done.  LIVE UNITED® is a call to action for everyone to become a part of the change. For more information about United Way, please visit: www.LIVEUNITED.org.

SOURCE CNO Financial Group, Inc.