Invest in Others
Invest in Others recognizes individuals and firms that are making a difference by donating their time and money to causes that matter to them. By sharing their stories and awarding funding to organizations they care about, we raise awareness, encourage others to get involved, channel additional resources to those in need, and demonstrate the generosity of the financial advice industry.
Whether you’re an individual or a company, learn how to get involved and amplify the charitable work of advisors and firms.
Meet Our Board
IiO is proud to have strong support from our Board of Directors, which is composed of the financial industry’s top executives who ensure that we fulfill our mission and maximize every opportunity.
Grants for Good
We provide an opportunity for financial advisors to secure funding for specific programs or projects on behalf of nonprofits that they support.
IiO Awards
We present awards to deserving financial advisors who do charitable work across all types of charities and missions.
2020 IiO AWARD WINNERS
Lasting Impact
From education, to health and wellness programs, we recognize financial advisors who are giving back in different and important ways.
LYNETTE ATCHLEY
Catalyst Award
Lynette Atchley has been connected to Rebirth Homes’ mission since the organization was just a vision in its founder’s imagination.
After learning more about human trafficking in her own community, Riverside, Calif., Lynette took a gamble and made a $500 donation to help get the organization off the ground. Beyond that initial donation, Lynette played a critical role in overseeing the incorporation process and establishing a 501c3. Her service to the organization has transformed over the past seven years to include fundraising, mentoring and running community events.
Lynette’s service to Rebirth Homes has taken the organization from a mere vision to reality, impacting women’s lives in a very real way by freeing them from modern day slavery and allowing them the opportunities to flourish.
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DUANE CHANEY
Community Service Award
The driving force behind Madisen’s Match is Duane Chaney.
In 2008, Duane’s niece Madisen was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor at the age of three. Duane decided to use the energy and emotion from this experience to create a fundraising event benefitting the Lee Health Foundation and better equip doctors to fight pediatric cancer.
Duane logs hundreds of hours each year organizing the many facets of the event and enjoys connecting with the very children who have benefitted directly from the fundraising efforts of events like Madisen’s Match.
See All WinnersMICHAEL J. MARTIN
Global Impact Award
Michael Martin started working with the organization during its early inception and was present in Haiti for the dedication of the “Brit’s Home” orphanage in January 2013. As a father, he was moved by the Gengel’s experience.
In addition to personally sponsoring a child and securing donations from his firm, Michael has participated in annual “Britsionary” trips to Haiti since 2016. His first trip was in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, where he contributed to home rebuilding efforts. His trips to Haiti have continued annually and he has forged meaningful, lasting relationships with children and staff alike at Brit’s Home.
In 2018, he encouraged his family to accompany him on a Britsionary trip where they were able to forge their own relationship with Haiti. Michael’s can-do attitude and eagerness to integrate love into a practical form of service makes him an outstanding addition to the Be Like Brit family.
See All WinnersBRIAN ROBINSON
Volunteer of the Year Award
Brian Robinson first heard about children being sold into slavery when he was in Beirut, Lebanon during the Syrian refuge crisis.
When he learned that child slavery and sex trafficking was also happening in his own community he couldn’t look away. Brian had to get involved. Brian has volunteered with The Florida Dream Center for the past eight years and specifically donates his time towards human trafficking issues. Brian worked to establish one of the first safe houses in the country for young men who were trafficked, has been involved in multiple trafficking rescues, and continues to coordinate countless Human Trafficking training events throughout Florida.
His persistent dedication and volunteerism have improved the quality of care provided to victims of human trafficking by The Florida Dream Center. To date, the Center has been involved in more than 200 human trafficking rescues in the Tampa Bay area.
See All WinnersLYNN L. CHEN-ZHANG
Lifetime Achievement Award
Lynn Chen-Zhang is a first-generation immigrant who came to the United States with $500 in her pocket and a scholarship to WMU.
That scholarship changed her life – the education she received opened the door to a world of possibilities.
Because of the incredible opportunities afforded to her by WMU, Lynn gives back to her alma mater, in both time and talent, to make sure all students have the opportunity to reach their goals and future potential. Her presence on campus is a constant source of inspiration for those she encounters, even earning the distinction of the university’s most-requested speaker. Her generous financial support of both large and small initiatives inspires those around her to give as well.
Lynn currently serves as the President of the WMU Foundation and Vice Chair of the University’s Board of Trustees.
See All Winners2020 IiO AWARD WINNERS
Lasting Impact
From education, to health and wellness programs, we recognize financial advisors who are giving back in different and important ways.