There are incredible people out there, working to make the world a better place — and I got to spend time with a few of them from SBLI USA Mutual Life Insurance Company last week. I attended a planning meeting in New York City with SBLI USA ’s board of directors, senior management, and strategic business partners. Every year this amazing group, led by President and CEO Vikki Pryor, throws a gala in January to raise funds to benefit a charitable organization.

First Book was selected as the 2006 beneficiary and received a contribution totaling more than $100,000, which is helping to place nearly 300,000 books directly into children’s hands. I was inspired by the energy and collective commitment in the room. Everyone was there with the unified goal to help raise awareness and make an impact on major issues like social justice, literacy, housing, and hunger, as well as issues that especially affect children and the elderly. Their focus for the 2007 gala is the environment.

I can tell you that their commitment doesn’t just stay in the boardroom either. Ms. Pryor recently visited a First Book recipient group in New York, with gifts of new books for the children to take home. You can see her reading to the group in this picture. Since joining SBLI USA in 1999, Ms. Pryor has led the company through a turnaround to impressive growth and has spearheaded SBLI USA’s philanthropic activities. She is an incredible example of someone who seamlessly integrates community service with the power of the private sector.