ID Media Honored with Bill Modell Heart of Gold Award at Gilda's Club NYC Gala

NEW YORK, Nov. 23, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- ID Media, an Interpublic Group media agency, was honored with the Bill Modell Heart of Gold Award during Gilda's Club New York City's 16th annual cancer charity gala last week.

The award, named in honor of one of Gilda's Club New York City's founders and retail icon Bill Modell, recognizes Big Apple-based individuals, groups of individuals or organizations that volunteer their time and efforts for cancer awareness. Founded in 1995, Gilda's Club New York City provides social and emotional support to families, loved ones and friends living with cancer.

WABC anchor and award-winning reporter Diana Williams emceed the ceremony, which took place November 17 at The Pierre, an iconic Taj hotel alongside Central Park. In her acceptance speech, Lynn Fantom, CEO of ID Media, recounted why the company chose cancer awareness as its community mission.

"Cancer affects one in three families in their lifetime," she said. "Sadly, it is all around us. When we started ID Media in 2002, some of our employees were already involved in cancer causes. And so, we decided to use our corporate platform to magnify their good works."

ID Media has actively developed its cancer mission through fundraising, volunteerism and education. One of the key elements of its corporate cause is an on-site, full-service coffee bar where employees can purchase—for just one dollar—a coffee, latte, cappuccino or other freshly brewed beverage, with all proceeds benefiting cancer charities. Over the years, its employees have also baked, walked, raffled, auctioned and wrapped presents—all for charitable cancer causes.

"American companies have a great opportunity to do good. And I see them stepping up," Fantom said.

Interpublic, Draftfcb, Google, TelAmerica Media and Viacom were among the many organizations that supported ID Media and Gilda's Club NYC at the gala.

Other honorees this year include Agios Pharmaceuticals CEO David Schenkein, M.D., who was honored with the Corporate Vision Award, and James P. Allison, PhD and Chairman of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center's Immunology Program, who received the Advancement of Cancer Research Award.

Said Lily Safani, CEO of Gilda's Club NYC: "Gilda's Club's membership continues to grow. Each year, more than 6,500 members visit our clubhouse on West Houston Street, in addition to seven satellites in Manhattan, Brooklyn and the Bronx."

And each year brings more momentum.

"The generous support of ID Media and the companies it has introduced to our family will help us continue to fulfill our mission of providing emotional and social support to anyone touched by cancer—free of charge," she said.

About ID Media
ID Media is the nation's largest direct and digital media agency, known for identifying and delivering accountable media solutions that create better business outcomes for marketers. Backed by a culture that's deeply committed to results, our people drive costs down, engagement up across television, digital and promotional print channels. Companies including American Express, Nationwide, Verizon, Johnson & Johnson, LivingSocial.com, Intuit, Match.com and Nikon turn to ID Media for its no-silos, real-time, tech-oriented approach. A member of the Interpublic Group of Companies (NYSE: IPG), ID Media is a four-time winner of IPG awards for diversity and inclusion. The company also has been recognized by Crain's as one of its "Best Places To Work In NYC" in 2008, 2009 and 2010. For more information, visit www.idmediaww.com.

About Gilda's Club New York City
Gilda's Club New York City creates welcoming communities of free support for everyone living with cancer—men, women, teens and children—along with their family and friends. Our innovative program is an essential complement to medical care, providing support and networking groups, workshops, lectures and social activities in a beautiful, homelike setting.  All of our programs are offered free of charge.  For more information, please visit us at www.gildasclubnyc.org.

SOURCE ID Media