MSL New York Launches Fourth Annual Cause Initiative During the Season of Giving

NEW YORK, Jan. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- MSL New York today announced the launch of the fourth annual MSL New York Generation Activation Be:CAUSE Grant and invites New York-based non-profits to apply for a pro bono professional communications program.

The 2013 MSL New York Be:CAUSE Grant theme, "New Yorkers Enriching the Lives of New Yorkers" seeks organizations that are committed to combating a local social issue and enhancing the lives of residents in the New York metro area. As part of its ongoing cause initiative and commitment to New York City, MSL New York will award one deserving local non-profit with up to $100,000 worth of strategic communications counsel.

"MSL New York is pleased to kick off 'New Yorkers Enriching the Lives of New Yorkers' as its fourth annual Be:CAUSE grant," said Joel Curran, Managing Director, MSL New York. "The opportunity to give back is critical to MSL New York's allegiance to the local community, and we are excited to lend our talent and expertise to a non-profit that is dedicated to making New York City a better place for us all to live and work."

Non-profit organizations located in the New York metro area that are interested in applying for the 2013 grant should visit (http://on.fb.me/mSZOo4) to download an application. For a full list of criteria, please visit the MSL New York Be:CAUSE Facebook page or send the team a message on Twitter (@MSLBeCAUSE). The application deadline is 5:00pm EST January 31, 2013.

MSL New York's annual pro bono grant is part of Generation Activation, the agency's Gen Y-led initiative. This program harnesses a company-wide interest in cause-related programs and uses diverse communications expertise to enrich the community.

For more information on MSL New York Be:CAUSE and the MSL New York Be:CAUSE Grant, visit us on Facebook (http://on.fb.me/MSLBeCAUSE) and/or Twitter (https://twitter.com/MSLBeCAUSE).

About Be:CAUSE
Be:CAUSE is MSL New York's effort to bring to life its passion for cause work and expertise as a leading communications and engagement agency in order to enrich the New York City metro community.  MSL New York established the Be:CAUSE initiative to provide employees with an opportunity to have a resounding effect within the community, while utilizing the large variety of expertise available within the agency. The initiative offers pro bono communications services to a selected local non-profit organization. Through Be:CAUSE, MSL New York strives to be a driving force behind organizations that, one community at a time, will make our world a better place to live.

About Generation Activation
Generation Activation is MSL New York's internal program designed to empower Gen-Y employees. The program is intended to create the next generation of agency leaders who have an entrepreneurial spirit and to empower members to drive innovative and revenue generating ideas. Generation Activation is comprised of three pillars: Community Connected, Be:CAUSE, and Trend-Y. Each of the pillars provides unique opportunities for Gen-Y employees to engage with the local and interoffice communities through philanthropic activities, pro bono PR support for non-profit organizations and thought leadership.

About MSLGROUP
MSLGROUP is Publicis Groupe's strategic communications and engagement group, advisors in all aspects of communication strategy: from consumer PR to financial communications, from public affairs to reputation management and from crisis communications to event management. With more than 3,700 people, its offices span 22 countries. Adding affiliates and partners into the equation, MSLGROUP's reach increases to 4,000 employees in 83 countries. Today the largest PR network in EMEA, Greater China and India, the group offers strategic planning and counsel, insight-guided thinking and big, compelling ideas – followed by thorough execution. Learn more about us at: www.mslgroup.com + http://blog.mslgroup.com + Twitter + YouTube.

About Publicis Groupe
Publicis Groupe [Euronext Paris FR0000130577, part of the CAC 40 index] is the third largest communications group in the world, offering the full range of services and skills: digital and traditional advertising, public affairs and events, media buying and specialized communication. Its major networks are Leo Burnett, MSLGROUP, PHCG (Publicis Healthcare Communications Group), Publicis Worldwide, Rosetta and Saatchi & Saatchi. VivaKi, the Groupe's media and digital accelerator, includes Digitas, Razorfish, Starcom MediaVest Group and ZenithOptimedia. Present in 104 countries, the Groupe employs 56,000 professionals.

www.publicisgroupe.com | Twitter:@PublicisGroupe | Facebook: www.facebook.com/publicisgroupe

CONTACT:   Michael J. Echter 
                    MSLGROUP Americas
                    646.500.7914
                    michael.echter@mslgroup.com

SOURCE MSL New York