NEW YORK, May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of their leadership and support in the fight against cancer, the American Cancer Society has honored KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm, and its chairman and CEO, Timothy P. Flynn, with the inaugural presentation of the new Eugene D. O'Kelly Award.
The annual award was named after Gene O'Kelly, KPMG's late former chairman, to acknowledge his commitment to community service and volunteerism. O'Kelly passed away in September 2005, only months after being diagnosed with brain cancer.
"The American Cancer Society is pleased to recognize KPMG as a respected industry leader and advocate in the fight against cancer," said Donald Distasio, CEO, American Cancer Society for New York and New Jersey. "Tim Flynn and KPMG have been powerful partners in helping us move closer toward achieving our mission of eliminating cancer as a major health problem, and we're thankful for their support."
"KPMG is honored to be named the first recipient of the American Cancer Society's Eugene D. O'Kelly Award," said Flynn, who accepted the award for the firm. "KPMG has a long tradition of volunteerism and philanthropy on behalf of the American Cancer Society and our employees continue to demonstrate their commitment to the Society."
Flynn accepted the award at the American Cancer Society's inaugural black-tie Corporate Cares Gala at the Mandarin Oriental in New York on May 11. The Eugene D. O'Kelly Award will be presented annually to an organization that exemplifies O'Kelly's commitment to community service and volunteerism, according to the American Cancer Society.
Corinne O'Kelly, Honorary Gala Chair and widow of Gene O'Kelly, said, "Gene was extremely proud of all his partners and colleagues at KPMG for the dedication and support they showed to their communities and organizations such as the American Cancer Society. He would be humbled and honored that the firm he led has been recognized with an award named for him."
KPMG has played an active role in raising funds to help the American Cancer Society meet its mission to eliminate cancer as a major health problem. The firm has supported the Society's signature "Relay For Life" activities since 2001. In 2005 alone, nearly 800 KPMG employees from 19 states participated in Relay For Life events in their communities and helped raise over $220,000 for cancer research, education, advocacy and service.
About KPMG LLP
KPMG LLP, the audit, tax and advisory firm (http://www.us.kpmg.com), is the U.S. member firm of KPMG International. KPMG International's member firms have 103,000 professionals, including 6,700 partners, in 144 countries.
About The American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by saving lives, diminishing suffering and preventing cancer through research, education, advocacy and service. The American Cancer Society Eastern Division has 46 community-based offices, involving thousands of volunteers throughout NY and NJ. For 24-hour cancer information, call toll free 1-800-ACS-2345 or visit http://www.us.kpmg.comhttp://www.cancer.org.
Contact: Tom Fitzgerald KPMG LLP Tel. 201-505-3996 Lisa Daglian American Cancer Society Tel. 212-237-3899
KPMG LLPCONTACT: Tom Fitzgerald, KPMG LLP, +1-201-505-3996; Lisa Daglian, AmericanCancer Society, +1-212-237-3899
