MARY HARDBARGER The Roanoke Times

Kent Bond of Total Financial and Insurance Group is launching a program called Partners in Charity. Bond said the program will "let the everyday person" give back to a charity of his or her choice.

| Mary Hardbarger

mary.hardbarger@roanoke.com, 381-1679

CHRISTIANSBURG -- Kent Bond is a businessman.

He is an investment advisory representative for Total Financial and Insurance Group in Christiansburg.

He is an active member of the community, serving on many boards and volunteering his time to many organizations.

He has hobbies, many friends and a busy schedule.

Although his plate is full, he never seems to get enough, and that's why he's embarking on a new project.

Bond just recently launched the program Partners in Charity -- a joint effort between his firm and his clients to provide money to charities locally and abroad.

Bond's agency will commit a donation of 25 percent of his commission earnings from a client's paid premiums to a 501(c)3 charity of his or her choice.

"It's completely client-driven," Bond said. "It'll be up to the client, not myself, to decide where the money will go."

The offer applies to insurance coverage for a company or an individual's auto, homeowners or commercial business insurance. As long as the individual or company continues to do business with Bond's firm, the donation will be made each year.

For example, according to a letter sent out by Bond to local charities in early June, "if the total commission earned is $300 per year, every year the policy remains in force, his agency will donate $75 to the charity of choice."

He stressed that if the client has a vested interest in the charity chosen -- if he or she is involved in the decision-making of the operation -- a different charity must be chosen.

Partners in Charity was reviewed by the Bureau of Insurance and declared to not be in violation of the Code of Virginia dealing with rebates, according to a letter provided by Bond.

The idea was introduced to the commission by one of Bond's associates in 2007. That associate came up with this concept and turned it over to Bond and a few other agents once approved.

Bond said he then "took the idea by the horns and ran with it."

Bond said his passion for giving back to others was sparked by his parents' involvement in their community.

"They taught me to do the right thing," he said. "It's part of my fiber."

The businessman continues to carry out his parents' legacy of giving back. He's served as president of the former Christiansburg Chamber of Commerce, a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and with many other business and charitable organizations.

Bond views this new program as a way to "let the everyday person give back."

"It's a win-win opportunity for everybody," he said. "It's going to open up doors we wouldn't be able to in the first place."

Bond recognizes the concern everyone has about the state of the economy. He's seen many people holding onto their money and just not financially able to give back to charity.

"This is an opportunity for the general public and business owners who feel like they can't give back a chance to do so," he said. "It's an easy way for them to give by buying a product that they're going to end up buying anyway."

Terry Smusz, executive director of New River Community Action, said she is excited to see Bond's program launched in the community.

"I really do support what he's trying to do," she said. "I think it's a wonderful idea to support local charities especially during these difficult times."

She made it clear that although NRCA would not participate in the program because of its requirement to bid out insurance, she's making efforts to notify her employees about it. She said she was not aware of any of her employees' involvement with the program.

Smusz has posted the letter Bond sent out to charities in the office to make it visible to employees.

"I'd like to see our employees take advantage of this great opportunity," she said.

Bond has been in the New River Valley for 22 years, and he said now more than ever, is it in need.

"There are so many people out there with their hands out," Bond said. "These are truly depressing times, and I feel like this program will give myself and others a chance to be part of the solution."