Impact is defined as having a strong effect on someone or something. The partnership between Group 1001 and the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation is certainly doing that.
In 2018, Cal Ripken, Jr., the iconic “Iron Man” of baseball and Hall of Fame member met Dan Towriss, CEO and President of the fast growing, Group 1001, a privately owned insurance group, and they quickly realized they shared a passion for the same thing – making a positive impact on kids in need.
Shortly thereafter, Towriss and Indianapolis-based Group 1001, with offices in the Boston area, Chicago and New York, made a $5M commitment over five years to the 501(c)(3) Foundation named for Ripken’s father, the Cal
Ripken, Sr. Foundation.
Group 1001 is a family of insurance companies offering accumulation and protection solutions focused on investing in social programs that drive positive change in underserved U.S. communities.
The impact of this major gift continues to reverberate in communities across the country and the results are impressive:
• The opening of 13 Youth Development Parks: Multipurpose turf fields that provide underserved kids with safe and clean places to play and learn.
• 55,000 children impacted through the Parks as well as the programs and clinics run by the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation.
• Support of seven programs: Programs range in scope, including: life skills programs that build bridges between communities and law enforcement; STEM initiatives; girls’ leadership and empowerment; and nutrition/fitness programs.
Established in 2001, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has positively impacted over 11 million at-risk youth in all 50 states over the last 20 years. In addition, the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has constructed and gifted 100 Youth Development Parks in communities in need as well as 138 STEM Centers in elementary and middle schools nationwide.
President and CEO of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Steve Salem said, “When we first spoke with Dan about our work and our vision, he immediately understood and wanted to be a big part of it. Now, three years later, Dan and the Group 1001 team have more than exceeded our expectations. They have been tremendous partners and have made a real difference in the lives of so many kids. We are grateful beyond words for their passion for kids and the mission of our Foundation.”
Philanthropy is a pillar for Group 1001 and Towriss has always felt the need to give back and make a difference. “As we have grown over the years, so has our ability to give back. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation puts our funds to work in a real and measurable way. This partnership allows us to amplify our impact creating even more positive change. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation has created a model that provides tremendous value to the communities we serve.”
In addition to supporting the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, Group 1001 has contributed to wildlife conservation and mentoring programs. Their reach nationwide has covered 23 states and 200,000 at-risk young lives, and they have reached over one million kids with its Power of Sports message.
Cal Ripken, Jr. concluded, “We always like to say that we can make some impact on our own, but we can make a tremendous difference with great partners. Dan and Group 1001 are tremendous friends and partners who have become so fully engaged with our work. We are grateful for all they have done to positively reach kids in need.”