CHICAGO, Dec. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Reaffirming its commitment to Chicago on the eve of its 25th anniversary in 2012, Aon Corporation (NYSE: AON) today announced that it is pledging $15 million in charitable donations to the Chicago philanthropic community over the next five years. Since 1987, more than $70 million in charitable contributions from the Aon Foundation, approximately half of all of Aon's worldwide charitable contributions, have gone to Chicago non-profit organizations.

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Since the creation of the Aon Corporation brand and its listing on the New York Stock Exchange a quarter century ago, the firm has remained committed to strengthening communities by sharing human, intellectual and financial resources. In addition to corporate contributions, members of Aon's senior management team and board of directors serve as volunteers for numerous groups supported by the Aon Foundation.

"Aon is a global firm of people helping people – we see community service as an extension of what we do every day in our work, which includes empowering people and communities at risk," said Greg Case, Aon Corporation president and chief executive officer. "Whether it is by working to provide access to education, encouraging appreciation for the arts or stimulating economic development, Aon is committed to using its resources to help people in Chicago reach their full potential."

The Aon Foundation's charitable giving is focused primarily on promoting access to and excellence in education, improving the health and wellbeing of the community and supporting and encouraging expression through the arts. Aon has supported a wide range of organizations including: American Red Cross, Big Shoulders Fund, Goodman Theater, Junior Achievement of Chicago and the Providence-St. Mel School. 

"We consider Aon and its employee contributions vital to our mission of providing disaster relief and preparedness for the 9.6 million people of the greater Chicagoland area," said Fran Edwardson, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago. "We have come to rely on Aon's ongoing commitment to our organization and look forward to continuing this partnership for years to come."

The Aon Foundation also supports the enrichment of society through arts and cultural programs and community and human service projects that serve diverse communities, with emphasis on organizations that foster the development of at-risk youth. Aon partners with several Chicago-based organizations to make this possible, including Merit School of Music, the Boys and Girls Clubs and the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago.

Chicago is home to a vibrant mix of arts and cultural organizations and Aon is proud to support the Lyric Opera, and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, as well as museums including the Museum of Science and Industry, the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum and the Field Museum of Natural History.

"The City of Chicago and the surrounding region have been vital contributors to Aon's business success throughout the past 25 years. We look forward to our continued partnership in the civic and cultural institutions that make this city so special," added Case.

About Aon

Aon Corporation (NYSE:AON) is the leading global provider of risk management, insurance and reinsurance brokerage, and human resources solutions and outsourcing services. Through its more than 61,000 colleagues worldwide, Aon unites to empower results for clients in over 120 countries via innovative and effective risk and people solutions and through industry-leading global resources and technical expertise. Aon has been named repeatedly as the world's best broker, best insurance intermediary, reinsurance intermediary, captives manager and best employee benefits consulting firm by multiple industry sources. Visit http://www.aon.com for more information on Aon and http://www.aon.com/manchesterunited to learn about Aon's global partnership and shirt sponsorship with Manchester United.

Media Contacts:
David Prosperi
Aon Corp.
312-381-2485
david.prosperi@aon.com

SOURCE Aon Corporation