Mazonson LLC President, Paul Mazonson, Races in Blackburn Challenge to Benefit Hospice of the North Shore.

Paul Mazonson, president of Mazonson LLC, a leading independent insurance brokerage, has completed the 2006 Blackburn Challenge. The Blackburn Challenge is a 20 mile open-water rowing and paddling race off the coast of Gloucester. Mazonson's participation raised funds to benefit Hospice of the North Shore (HNS), Danvers. With an initial goal of $10,000, Mazonson was able to garner in excess of $16,000 for the cause.

Several years ago Mazonson's father-in-law died in hospice care. When considering a charity to benefit from the sponsorships of his race, Hospice of the North Shore was Paul's choice. "I've long been familiar with Hospice of the North Shore's exceptional work and I'm a deep believer in enhancing the end-of-life experience," said Mazonson. "I believe in focusing on living rather than dying."

Mazonson was also inspired to row by a good friend who asked him to participate in the Blackburn Challenge. This friend was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and joined the race "to have something to look forward to." Mazonson practiced on average four times per week, logging over 40 miles per week and working through the physical challenges of training with a coach and by attending clinics, taking yoga and having deep tissue massage and acupuncture. Paul completed the race under his target time at 3 hours, 48 minutes. Despite the physical challenges of training for the race, Mazonson enjoyed the experience and is happy to have raised funds for HNS. Said Mazonson, "It feels great to be doing this for such a worthy cause; it has made it a fuller experience."

About Mazonson LLC

Mazonson LLC, newly headquartered in Wakefield, MA, is an independent insurance brokerage that has prided itself on providing innovative insurance solutions to individuals and businesses for over 60 years. Mazonson offers its clients comprehensive business solutions, including Risk Management and Loss Control programs, Executive Risk Management programs, Property and Casualty coverages, Surety Bonding, and Employee Benefits. Mazonson's Private Client Group specializes in managing and protecting the complex assets of high net worth individuals.

Mazonson combines business acumen, client domain experience, and a comprehensive knowledge of insurance products in a process designed to nurture both individual clients and businesses as they move through every phase of the business growth cycle. The Mazonson organization is committed to adding value to client relationships by listening, understanding, and responding to individual needs. Mazonson continues to innovate and partner with its clients to manage risk with forward-thinking solutions.

For more information on Mazonson LLC and its products and services, call (800) 531-5211 or visit www.mazonson.com.

About Hospice of the North Shore

Since 1978, Hospice of the North Shore has grown to become the largest provider of hospice care in Massachusetts and the most experienced on the North Shore. Located in Danvers, Mass., Hospice of the North Shore provides supportive, compassionate end-of-life care for residents of North Shore communities and their families. A not-for-profit organization, Hospice of the North Shore is dedicated to meeting the needs of all North Shore residents, including bereavement support for adults and children through our Center for Grief and Healing. In 2005, Hospice of the North Shore opened the 12-bed Kaplan Family Hospice House, the first inpatient hospice residence in the state.

For more information about Hospice of the North Shore please visit our Web site at www.hns.org, contact the HNS development office at 978-223-9787 or email us at philanthropy@hns.org.

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Contact:
Michelle Fernandez
Marketing
Mazonson LLC
800-531-5211
mfernandez@mazonson.com