Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area, based in Baton Rouge, LA is receiving a $10,000 grant from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation in recognition of financial representative Damian Calato’s outstanding volunteer commitment, as part of the company’s 17th annual national Community Service Award program.

Calato, a Chalmette resident, is one of 26 Northwestern Mutual financial professionals being recognized nationally as a top volunteer. On August 25, 2011, Calato will present Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area with a check for $10,000 from the Northwestern Mutual Foundation. The grant money will be utilized to help support the organization’s mission of making a difference in the lives of those coping with Alzheimer’s through education and services offered to individuals, families, and caregivers.

“Damian makes positive contributions for both clients and the Baton Rouge community,” said Northwestern Mutual Foundation president Kimberley Goode. “This effort, along with many others supported by the Northwestern Mutual field force, helps us secure future generations, and we’re excited to see Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area continue their essential work  in the Baton Rouge area.”

Since Northwestern Mutual started the Community Service Award program in 1995, the company has donated more than $3 million on its representatives’ behalf to over 300 nonprofit organizations across the country. The Community Service Award program is open to more than 9,000 Northwestern Mutual financial representatives, assistant financial representatives and financial representative interns, recognizing their individual dedication to charitable organizations and philanthropic projects.

“Supporting Alzheimer’s Services of the Capital Area has been a mission of mine since my dad was diagnosed with the disease more than ten years ago,” said Calato. “I’m blessed knowing this award will assist 17 needy families in our community with care for an entire year though the organizations respite center,” he added.