KPMG gift reflects firm's culture of community support

Date: September 28, 2007

Author: Kauffman Center

When Dave Fowler presented a $100,000 check to Kauffman Center President and CEO Jane Chu on behalf of KPMG, LLP recently, he was acting on the firm’s philosophy:  “Our community. Our people. Our culture.”  He was also launching a year-long celebration for the firm.

 “Our contribution to the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts is a perfect way to celebrate our firm’s 100th year anniversary here in Kansas City,” says Dave Fowler, Managing Partner in Kansas City.  “We want KPMG and Kansas City to continue to be great places to work, to build a career and enjoy life. The Kauffman Center supports our firm’s objectives as it is at the heart of Kansas City’s downtown revitalization and key to the success of a wide range of arts groups.”

KPMG is the oldest and largest accounting firm in our region, having opened its doors here in 1908.  As part of its centennial celebration, KPMG partners decided to focus attention on the arts in Kansas City.  The $100,000 gift was announced to associates at a company-wide event held at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art on August 29th. 

The company’s half-day Centennial Launch included a number of activities.  A program in the Atkins Auditorium included the Kauffman Center presentation and several speakers.  Employees then had time to explore the galleries, including the Manet to Matisse exhibit then on display. The day ended with a reception in Rozelle Court.

Since the company encourages employees to get involved in the community and emphasizes balance in work and personal life, speakers for the program were directed to reflect these perspectives. Community volunteer Adele Hall spoke about her long involvement in charitable activities, using the examples of personal mentors to reinforce the message that one person can truly make a difference.

Mary Pat McCarthy, KPMG Vice Chair, talked about what associates can do to advance their career at KPMG and achieve personal balance by sharing her story of coming up through the firm.  A large part of her message included strategies she’s employed to make life more enjoyable and rewarding.

KPMG employs 300 people in its downtown Kansas City office, and represents clients here in Kansas City and from all over the world. Supporting the Kauffman Center was a logical choice for the firm, as a gift to this beautiful building helps strengthen the downtown Kansas City environment for employees, clients and all who live here.

It is the goal of the KPMG partners to support a range of arts organizations. This contribution helps achieve that goal.  “In the past we have supported a number of arts groups,” says Fowler.”  “Having this outstanding, state-of-the art venue where they can perform made sense to our partners and associates.”

Community involvement like this is nothing new for KPMG.  According to Jaime Hamm, Senior Manager in the Audit Practice, the KPMG culture is collaborative both inside and out. “We want people to be part of a team at work, and also engaged together on teams in the community.  We definitely believe that all work and no play make for uninspired employees.” 

The Kansas City office organizes its volunteer and community service efforts through the “Involve” program, which helps employees participate in activities like the Children's Therapeutic Learning Center Pumpkin Patch, the United Way Day of Caring or the Junior Achievement Bowl-a-Thon. “The firm adds an extra incentive by allowing each employee up to 12 hours a year of work release time for volunteer activities,” adds Hamm.  “Many employees do much more than this, but the firm’s support is a strong sign.”