Houston wealth management advisor wins 2023 Community Service Award, Northwestern Mutual Foundation president: 'It is inspiring to see the impact'

A Northwestern Mutual wealth management advisor in Houston was honored by his employer's foundation for his service at a local nonprofit, which provides a healing community for children with life-threatening illnesses.

According to a press release, Michael Slabic was named a 2023 Community Service Award winner, which came with a $15,000 grant for the nonprofit he volunteers with, The Periwinkle Foundation.

“Northwestern Mutual is a company built on helping people, and it is inspiring to see the impact that these financial advisors are making on their communities through selfless contributions,” Steve Radke, president of the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, said in the release. “I’m honored to work alongside these dedicated advisors who embody our company’s values and commitment to the communities we serve.”

The Periwinkle Foundation began as a “basic camp" for children with cancer, growing into its current form with fully developed camps, arts and survivor programs serving more than 14,000 children, teens, families and long-term survivors of cancer, free of charge. Through his relationships with clients and friends, Slabic has helped raise more than $196,000 for the organization. The money has helped The Periwinkle Foundation create new programs for patients and families at the Texas Children's Hospital.

In addition to the $15,000 grant, Slabic also received an additional $5,000 grant for supporting an organization connected to the company’s Childhood Cancer Program, an initiative to fund research and support families of children diagnosed with the disease, the release stated.

Slabic praised The Periwinkle Foundation, saying it “provides opportunities for these special children and their families to heal emotionally, lead fuller lives and become stronger survivors. The grant will be used to continue and expand these very important and impactful programs.”

Northwestern Mutual uses the Community Service Awards to celebrate its employees who shine in volunteerism and philanthropy. The release stated that the awards program is in its 28th year and will distribute $270,000 to nonprofits nationwide this year. Nearly $7 million has been given to nonprofits nationwide since the company began its Community Service Awards in 1995.