(INDIANAPOLIS) -- FirstPerson, an Indianapolis-based employee benefits consulting firm, recently announced the donation of funds to two local service organizations in lieu of traditional attendee gifts for the CFO of the Year awards program.

FirstPerson will contribute $6,000 to the United Way of Central Indiana and Special Olympics Indiana in honor of attendees of the Dec. 9 CFO of the Year awards presented by the Indianapolis Business Journal. FirstPerson was the title sponsor of the annual event.

United Way will receive $3,000 and Special Olympics will receive $3,000 in addition to the more than $20,000 that FirstPerson has given to Special Olympics this year. The money donated would have been spent on corporate gifts at the CFO of the Year event. The donations highlight FirstPerson's business philosophy of investing in the local community and serve as a rallying point for other businesses to lend a helping hand this winter season and beyond.

"Giving is a powerful action," said Bryan Brenner, CEO of FirstPerson. "Organizations such as the United Way and Special Olympics rely on contributions to support valuable programs, especially during these trying economic times. We encourage other businesses and individuals to give back in any way possible so that these organizations can continue to serve Hoosiers in need."

In 2010, the United Way of Central Indiana invested more than $55 million in the local community, including allocating more than $22 million to more than 100 nonprofit agencies. Special Olympics Indiana reaches nearly 11,000 athletes across the state, promoting meaningful inclusion and acceptance for children and adults with intellectual disabilities.

"FirstPerson and Bryan Brenner have truly embraced Special Olympics Indiana," said Scott Furnish, director of special events. "This generous donation in lieu of CFO gifts is just one example of their giving to others mindset. FirstPerson employees have plunged into icy cold water, played tug-of-war with a Boeing 747 and rappelled down a seventeen story building all in the name of raising money and awareness for our organization. We could not ask for a better partner."

For more information about FirstPerson, please visit www.firstpersonadvisors.com.

About FirstPerson
FirstPerson, a leading consulting firm based in Indianapolis, creates customized employee health care and welfare benefit programs. Team members tailor programs to clients' specific needs, culture and goals using a systematic, proven approach. FirstPerson is an advisor to some of Indianapolis' top businesses, including Katz Sapper & Miller, the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, ExactTarget, Mikes' Car Wash and Krieg DeVault. FirstPerson took shape in 2010 when Benefits Associates merged with Benefit Consultants. For more information, please visit www.firstpersonadvisors.com.