CBRE shows it cares with new philanthropy program.

CB Richard Ellis announced the launch of CBRE Cares, the firm's corporate philanthropy program.

CBRE Cares encompasses the company's philanthropic activities at the local, regional and national levels and is governed by the CB Richard Ellis Foundation, a nonprofit, public benefit corporation that funds CB Richard Ellis' philanthropic and community initiatives. In addition to the firm's Birthday Cakes for Homeless Children Program and local and global response efforts, CBRE Cares encompasses two newly established charitable partnerships with the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) and Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation.

The charitable partnership organizations were chosen through the CB Richard Ellis Foundation according to several criteria, including opportunity for various forms of volunteerism and donation, and alignment with CB Richard Ellis goals and objectives.

The key consideration was each organization's ability to mobilize on a national scale with a physical and operational footprint similar to that of CB Richard Ellis.

As a result, the company is confident that the partnership with the NKF and Starlight Starbright will yield positive and recognizable gains for these charities, and continue its existing tradition of generosity.

"The National Kidney Foundation is pleased to have CB Richard Ellis as a charitable partner. With the complementary national capacity of our combined organizations, we will be able to move forward with our life-saving work in prevention, education and support for the 1 in 9 American adults with chronic kidney disease and the additional 20 million Americans at risk," said John Davis, NKF CEO.

"The success of our mission depends primarily upon the strength and generosity of our charitable partners," said Paula VanNess, CEO of Starlight Starbright.

"We are excited about the possibilities that our partnership with CB Richard Ellis creates. The company's generosity will extend our reach to many more of the 16 million seriously ill children in the United States who are in need of support."

CB Richard Ellis is the established leader in the commercial real estate industry. According to Jana Turner, President of CBRE Asset Services and a CBRE Cares Board member, the program motto, "Leading with Heart," is an expression of the firm's commitment to the responsibility of that leadership.

"CB Richard Ellis has always been a leader in revenue, transaction volume and square feet under management," said Ms. Turner. "Now we have the opportunity to lead in kindness and generosity."