Willis CharityChase Raises $1 Million for The Willis Foundation

Hundreds of Willis North America Associates and volunteers raced to the finish line today to raise $1 million for The Willis Foundation. The first ever Willis CharityChase took place in Chicago's Grant Park. Eleven teams of Willis Associates and corporate sponsors from around the country, participated in a 15-mile footrace to show their dedication and determination to help the less fortunate.

The Willis CharityChase is the first major fundraising event to benefit The Willis Foundation, a nonprofit corporation affiliated with Willis Group Holdings, the global insurance broker. The goal was to raise $1 million in seed money for The Willis Foundation, which donates to charities across North America. Each team raised a minimum of $50,000 and a portion of the funds will be directed to a charity of their choice.

"The Willis Group made a huge impact in Chicago last year with the renaming of Willis Tower," said Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley. "But this endeavor is even bigger than our tallest building. By raising $1 million dollars in their first charity attempt, The Willis Foundation is setting an example of what it means to be a good corporate citizen that will make a difference in lives around Chicago and the country."

A pre-race rally was held at Willis Tower, where Joe Plumeri, Chairman and CEO of Willis Group Holdings, spoke about Willis's commitment to not only being a client advocate, but also a community advocate: "Our business succeeds by helping people and communities. But that spirit doesn't stop when we leave the office -- the people of Willis keep it alive every day of the year," said Plumeri.

Don Bailey, CEO of Willis North America and Chairman of The Willis Foundation said, "I couldn't be more proud of the thousands of Willis Associates who pitched in to make this day a reality, whether by their own fundraising efforts or by running in the race."

"And, the best part is yet to come," said Bailey. "Throughout the year The Willis Foundation will be making donations to worthy causes, and Willis Associates will play a strong role in giving back to the communities where we do business," he said.

The Willis Foundation began in the summer of 2010. The top fundraising -- and fastest running -- CharityChase teams were recognized in a special post-race ceremony at Willis Tower.

About the Willis Foundation

Based in Nashville, TN, The Willis Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation affiliated with Willis Group Holdings, that encourages Willis Associates and Willis North America's key business partners to participate in charitable activities. Throughout the year, The Willis Foundation intends to organize and sponsor fundraising events such as races, dinners and creative competitions and will, in turn, make charitable contributions to charities recommended by Willis Associates. For more information on The Willis Foundation or further details on The Willis CharityChase, please visit www.thewillisfoundation.org.

About Willis Group

Willis Group Holdings plc is a leading global insurance broker. Through its subsidiaries, Willis develops and delivers professional insurance, reinsurance, risk management, financial and human resource consulting and actuarial services to corporations, public entities and institutions around the world. Willis has more than 400 offices in nearly 120 countries, with a global team of approximately 17,000 employees serving clients in virtually every part of the world.