MassMutual Donates $100,000 to Tornado and Severe Weather Relief Effort

SPRINGFIELD, Mass., May 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) today announced it will donate $100,000 to support victims of the largest recorded tornado outbreak in U.S. history.  The company donation, as well as funds donated by its eligible employees and financial professionals and matched through its Matching Gift Program, will support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the millions of people impacted by the devastation of these violent storms," said Roger Crandall, Chairman, President and CEO of MassMutual. "We hope that MassMutual's support will help bring some much-needed relief to the families in these areas."

MassMutual is also attempting to contact its policyholders in affected areas who are receiving disability income insurance benefits from the company.  "This is a common practice for MassMutual at times of natural disasters so that we can check on the safety of our customers who are relying on us while helping to ensure that the proper arrangements are made so that they receive their benefits," added Mr. Crandall.  "This is one simple extra effort that may result in one less worry in their lives at a time of critical need."

This is the second time this year that the company has made a significant donation to the American Red Cross for victims of a natural disaster.  In March, MassMutual donated $100,000 in response to the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, and also expanded its Matching Gift program for eligible employees and financial professionals.

The company also reports that its core offices are fully operational across the U.S., and that its financial professionals in local communities and home office staff are available to assist customers with any questions.

About MassMutual

Founded in 1851, MassMutual is a leading mutual life insurance company that is run for the benefit of its members and participating policyholders. The company has a long history of financial strength and strong performance, and although dividends are not guaranteed, MassMutual has paid dividends to eligible participating policyholders every year since the 1860s. With whole life insurance as its foundation, MassMutual provides products to help meet the financial needs of clients, such as life insurance, disability income insurance, long term care insurance, retirement/401(k) plan services, and annuities. In addition, the company's strong and growing network of financial professionals helps clients make good financial decisions for the long-term.

MassMutual Financial Group is a marketing name for Massachusetts Mutual Life Insurance Company (MassMutual) and its affiliated companies and sales representatives. MassMutual is headquartered in Springfield, Massachusetts and its major affiliates include: Babson Capital Management LLC; Baring Asset Management Limited; Cornerstone Real Estate Advisers LLC; The First Mercantile Trust Company; MassMutual International LLC; MML Investors Services, LLC, member FINRA and SIPC; OppenheimerFunds, Inc.; and The MassMutual Trust Company, FSB.

For more information, visit www.massmutual.com or 'Like" MassMutual on Facebook.

SOURCE MassMutual