The cover story of the September issue of Social Life magazine features the generous philanthropic contributions of Suffolk Sports Hall of Famer James C. Metzger, the founder and CEO of Whitmore – The Agency. Headquartered in Garden City, the insurance brokerage is one of the leading insurance firms in the New York City area.

The September issue focuses on Metzger’s ongoing support for Long Island boys’ lacrosse programs and his contributions to other local and national sports programs and causes. Metzger is a former All-American lacrosse player at his Suffolk County high school and Hofstra University.

Each year, Metzger presents many awards to successful scholar-athletes who play lacrosse on Long Island:

• The outstanding player award at his alma mater of East Hollow Hills High School East in Dix Hills.

• Long Island Championships MVP Awards for games between sections A, B, C and D high schools in Nassau and Suffolk counties.

• Leadership awards for the Section VIII Nassau County high school championships.

• The Mark of Excellence Award for outstanding accomplishments on and off the lacrosse field by a Half Hollows Hills High School East or Half Hollow Hills High School West player. The first award was presented this past July at the alumni game as part of the Hills vs. Autism Foundation fundraiser that Whitmore supports. Future awards will be presented at this annual event.

• The Hempstead PAL Lacrosse Leadership Award. Metzger has supported this program for fifth and sixth graders for almost a decade.

• The Outstanding Sophomore Award for a lacrosse player at Hofstra University.

Additional Long Island, NYC Philanthropy

Metzger and his company also support The National Football Foundation New York Chapter presentation of the Mr. Football New York City Player of the Year Award (for the outstanding high school player) and the Citizens’ Committee for Children of New York that is a child advocacy organization.

“[Metzger’s] philanthropic donations are widely distributed to various sports and education programs,” wrote Social Life Senior Editor Christine Montanti, “and include local community and national charitable organizations: the America Heart Association, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Long Island, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital…and countless other programs, including his 1.5 million dollar donation to Hofstra University.”

More Lacrosse And Also Hospitality

Elsewhere in the Social Life issue are features about Rob Pannell, New York Lizards lacrosse star and Metzger’s nephew, and Frank Russo, a Whitmore insurance client who owns Russo’s On the Bay in Howard Beach, Queens.

“From Smithtown Good…To Global Great – The Journey of Rob Pannell” explores the athlete’s journey from Smithtown High School to Cornell University, where he received many national awards that included best college lacrosse player. He has starred for the Lizards and Major League Lacrosse for seven seasons.

“The Game of Life…and Playing For Keeps – Team Russo at Russo’s On The Bay” indicates that the success at Russo’s, along with Vetro Restaurant & Lounge and Russo’s On The Bay Gourmet, has been achieved with hard work, trust and loyalty. The article features eight employees who have 215 combined years of service at Russo’s.

-Words by Mike Virgintino