ROBERT A. DIMUCCIO, chairman, CEO and president of Lincoln-based Amica Mutual Insurance Co., and his wife, Rena, recently received the 2022 Ben Mondor Award from the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber’s 31st Annual Celebration. The DiMuccios were presented with the award on March 10 at Kirkbrae Country Club in Lincoln. The award is presented to individuals who go above and beyond philanthropically within the community. Robert DiMuccio is set to retire from Amica at the end of 2022.
What does winning the Ben Mondor Award mean to you? ROBERT DIMUCCIO: We’re humbled to receive an award named after Ben Mondor, who did so much for the community and young people in particular. Better than most, Ben balanced the challenges of running a business and employing local folks while unselfishly giving back to the community. We’re truly honored to be recognized with this award.
In what ways have you helped the community recover from the COVID-19 pandemic? ROBERT DIMUCCIO: Early on in the pandemic, Amica recognized that, more than ever, the different communities in Rhode Island needed to support one another. Amica allocated an additional $1.5 million of charitable giving to address COVID-related community needs. Also, Rena is very actively involved with the Woonsocket Rotary Club and the club was able to obtain a District Grant to benefit New Beginnings, a soup kitchen/food pantry located in Woonsocket. On a personal level, we made sure our own charitable contributions went to organizations responding to the tremendous needs resulting from the pandemic.
What other challenges did the community have this past year that you were able to help offer support? ROBERT DIMUCCIO: There are always critical needs for food, shelter and clothing. In the past two years, COVID has significantly increased these needs and we’ve responded. I want to give credit to my wife, Rena. This past year, she’s spent countless hours as a member of the Woonsocket Rotary Club helping to establish a clothing boutique at the Community Care Alliance’s Main Street location, which provides clothing, personal care products and toys at no cost for children and families in need.
What initiatives do you have in the works to continue to support the community?RENA DIMUCCIO: Again, the basic need for food, shelter and clothing will continue, and we support many organizations that address these needs. An additional focus post-pandemic will be attending and supporting charitable events, as well as fundraising and volunteer activities. We believe there’s a core human need to interact and socialize with one another. So much good ensues when we come together to support one another and the community.