News Releases

HAMILTON, BERMUDA, 4 October 2016 - The Chubb Charitable Foundation – Bermuda today presented The Chewstick Foundation with the proceeds of a Chubb employee fundraising drive. It also announced it will host a Fire Exhibition and Art Auction in the Chubb Building to help raise funds and build awareness of Chewstick.

In June, the Chubb Charitable Foundation – Bermuda pledged its support and became a corporate sponsor of the Gombey Gallery at the Chewstick Culture Hub. Following the tragic fire that destroyed the facility, Chubb employees rallied to help with a fundraising drive. Together with matching funds from the Foundation, donations totalled $6,300.

The exhibition and auction will display art by Chewstick members and supporters for sale. The exhibition will be free to the public, with the opening and auction taking place on Thursday 13^th October 2016, from 5:30-7:30pm in the Gallery at the Chubb Building (formerly the ACE Building). The exhibition will run through to Thursday 10^th November, open weekdays from 10am – 4pm.

Chewstick invites interested artists to submit works for inclusion in the auction, where proceeds will go toward the relief effort. The exhibition will also feature artefacts salvaged from the fire allowing attendees an intimate look at some of the damaged items and learn more about Chewstick’s mission. In addition, live performances will take place during the opening, showcasing the range of talents that Chewstick supports within the community.

Lori Dunstan, Chair of the Chubb Charitable Foundation – Bermuda, explains, “Our trustees recognise that the cultural diversity and safe creative space that the Culture Hub provides to our community is invaluable. We certainly intend to continue our support for the Chewstick Foundation and look forward to working with Gavin, Deidra and the Chewstick team as they rebuild.”

Chewstick Executive Director and Founder, Gavin Smith shared, “While the loss of the facility has been a devastating blow to the organization, the tremendous generosity and support of the grassroots and corporate community has heartened our board, staff, members and volunteers, and shown the broad impact that Chewstick has had. The time passed since the fire has given us space to heal, reflect, and focus toward what the next chapter will hold. We are deeply grateful for all the efforts to assist the organization at this critical time, and especially to Chubb for this opportunity to share our story and raise funds to help in the recovery. The story is not over!”

The Chewstick Foundation, which became Bermuda Registered Charity #857 in 2009, is committed to continuing its mission to empower storytelling, creative expression, and social justice to enrich youth, arts, culture and community. Since its inception in 2003, Chewstick has offered a broad range of programmes, events and initiatives, with The Chewstick Culture Hub at 81 Front Street becoming the culmination of all that has been developed over the 13 year history of the organization. The Hub was a safe space for all people to come together in an environment that fostered creativity, meaningful dialogue, and authentic engagement in Bermuda’s polarized society. It was not only critical for delivering the vision to break down barriers and build bridges in the community, but also integral to the long term sustainability of The Chewstick Foundation.

If you are interested in learning more about the organization, participating during the recovery or in submitting art for the Fire Exhibition you are encouraged to visit www.chewstick.org, or call 292 2439 for further details.

About Chubb
In January 2016 ACE Limited acquired the Chubb Corporation creating a global insurance leader operating under the renowned Chubb name. Chubb is the world's largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients.  As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline.  We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly.  The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally.  Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index.  Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide. Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.

About Chewstick

The Chewstick Foundation is a leading non-profit and cultural arts movement that uses creative programmes, projects and events to break down social barriers and provide safe space for diverse participants to share their story. Chewstick is part of the solution toward a better Bermuda, and a better world. The unique resources that The Chewstick Foundation provides help to empower individuals, organizations and initiatives to enrich and engage the community. Chewstick is the frontline of change; attracting the most diverse, inclusive and exciting audience and participants to be found, and helping people just like you to better understand each other and the world in which we live.

Media Contacts

Chubb: Amy Shillingford: (441) 299-9365: amy.shillingford@chubb.com

Chewstick: Deidra-Lee Bean: (441) 292-2439: deidra@chewstick.org

Group Shot left to right:

• Lori Dunstan, Chair, Chubb Charitable Foundation – Bermuda

• Samantha Froud, Chief Administration Officer, Bermuda Operations, Chubb

• Gavin Smith, Executive Director & Founder, Chewstick

• Deidra-Lee Bean, Operations Manager, Chewstick