Annual Paul Jackson Fund Gala to Take Place in Summit on April 19

The following information was provided by The Paul Jackson Fund.

The Paul Jackson Fund is a charity easing burdens during times of medical crisis.

Dave Burns, a resident of Westfield for 16 years, will be honored at The Paul Jackson Fund inaugural gala on Friday, April 19th, 2013 at the Grand Summit Hotel.

Dave devotes considerable time to his community and works tirelessly to build strong relationships with businesses, community leaders and charitable organizations.  Mary Jackson, President of The Paul Jackson Fund said, “Our charity has been strengthened by having Dave Burns be a part of it. From day one, Dave has been instrumental in promoting The Fund, and helping us to make important connections within the community. We are thrilled to honor Dave for all the good work he has done for The Paul Jackson Fund.”

Dave works as a Financial Advisor at Northwestern Mutual where he specializes in insurance and investment planning. Prior to joining Northwestern, Dave spent close to 20 years in the investment management industry where he was a portfolio manager and international equities trader and earned the designation of Chartered Financial Analyst ®. He graduated from Siena College in 1984 with a degree in Marketing and was a member of their Division 1 Lacrosse team.

Dave and his wife Patrice have been married for 23 years and have two children, Kristen and David. In addition to serving on the Advisory Board of The Paul Jackson Fund, Dave also serves as Treasurer and Board Trustee for Imagine, A Center for Coping with Loss and is a member of the Advisory Board of The AlternativePress.com. Dave is a survivor of the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center and has recognized the importance of giving back and striving to make a difference in the lives of others. Over the years he has also donated his time and talents to the Westfield Lacrosse, Soccer and Basketball youth programs, Junior Achievement, and Dale Carnegie Training. Additionally, he is active with the Westfield Jaycees and the Greater Westfield Area Chamber of Commerce.

The Paul Jackson Fund, located in Westfield, is a charity of last resort. The Fund assists families who are experiencing a financial crisis because of a long term illness or disability. The Fund was started to help Paul, when he became paralyzed from surgery to remove a spinal cord tumor. When Paul no longer needed the help, he assumed the leadership of The Fund and began helping other families in need.  Paul passed away in 2009. His wish was for the work of The Fund to continue. Over the past 21 years, The Paul Jackson Fund has helped hundreds of families in need. For more information about The Paul Jackson Fund and to purchase tickets to the gala please call 908-233-6110 or visit their website at www.pauljacksonfund.org