WASHINGTON, Nov. 20, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Youth Leadership Foundation (YLF) is honoring KPMG Chairman and CEO John Veihmeyer with its annual Spirit of Service Award, which recognizes leaders in the Washington, D.C., community for their philanthropy, particularly towards youth education. Veihmeyer will receive the award at the organization's Spirit of Service Awards Dinner tonight.
"YLF is dedicated to helping underserved children in the metro Washington, D.C. area reach their full potential through character formation, personal mentoring, academic excellence, and parental involvement," said David Cook, Executive Director of the Youth Leadership Foundation. "John's personal engagement with our program, his national commitment to youth education and fighting childhood illiteracy, and his extensive community service locally are just some of the reasons we've selected him to receive our Spirit of Service award."
"At KPMG, serving the communities where we live and work is a top priority, and educating young people is one of the issues we are most passionate about. We are proud to share that passion with a great organization like the YLF," said Veihmeyer. "This award is a testament to the work of KPMG's people who are fighting childhood illiteracy, helping students become financially literate and inspiring kids who need extra support to get on a path to success and achievement. I'm honored to accept this award on behalf of our entire firm, and excited about the work YLF is doing to equip D.C. area youth for future success."
Past Spirit of Service Award recipients include Paul Tagliabue (former NFL commissioner), Ted Leonsis (owner of the Washington Capitals, Wizards and Mystics), and Laura Bush (First Lady of the United States).
Tim Brant, Vice President of Sports for WJLA-TV/ABC-7, will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the Awards Dinner, which also will feature a silent auction, musical performances by Kelly Wright of Fox News accompanied by YLF students, and inspiring recitations by YLF students.
About the Youth Leadership Foundation
The Youth Leadership Foundation is dedicated to helping underserved children in the metro Washington, D.C. area reach their full potential through character formation, personal mentoring, academic excellence, and parental involvement. Founded in 1997, YLF has served more than 3,000 youth, helping 97 percent of students who complete the program graduate from high school and go on to college in a city where the high school graduation rate is less than 60 percent. YLF operates two centers in Washington, D.C.: the Program for Academic and Leadership Skills (PALS) for girls ages 9 to 16 and the Tenley Achievement Program (TAP) for boys ages 9 to 16. For more information, please visit: www.helpingkids.org.