Bentall Kennedy Shines A Light On Autism Through Its Support Of Autism Speaks' International Light It Up Blue Campaign

WASHINGTON, March 31, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Bentall Kennedy is pleased to support Autism Speaks' International Light it Up Blue (LIUB) Campaign by both illuminating in blue the real estate assets in its U.S. client portfolios and spearheading LIUB efforts to enlist other building owners and managers to participate in the annual event. Bentall Kennedy properties will join thousands of iconic landmarks, religious institutions, businesses, and communities in more than 140 countries on all seven continents for Autism Speaks' seventh annual LIUB campaign to raise global awareness of autism.

LIUB is planned to coincide with the kick-off of World Autism Awareness Month which was originally implemented by the United Nations in 2007 to help educate society about autism and how this worldwide health issue is rising over time. Autism Speaks helps spread knowledge across the globe of the effects of autism and distribute appropriate information regarding topics such as early diagnosis and intervention. Autism currently affects 1 in 68 children in the United States and millions more worldwide. 

This year Bentall Kennedy through its outreach to other owners and building managers has secured over 150 buildings nationally to showcase their support. Participating firms include Colliers International, Brookfield Property Partners, MRP Realty, Lincoln Property Company, The Tower Companies, Washington REIT, Federal Realty Investment Trust and many others.  Bentall Kennedy will illuminate buildings in 20 cities. Furthermore, Bentall Kennedy is pleased to host the "Switch Party" for LIUB on April 1, 2016 at Courthouse Tower, a 12- story, 250,000 square foot office building in Arlington, VA.

"What is so amazing about this event is that building owners, leasing brokers and property managers, who compete with each other day in and day out, come together in support of such a great cause," said Jeanette Flory, Senior Vice President with Bentall Kennedy and leader of the company's collaborative effort in support of Autism Speaks.

Many of the blue buildings Bentall Kennedy has secured this year are in the Washington DC area, such as Washington Harbour, The Millennium Building, Hyatt Regency Bethesda, and Pike and Rose.  The Fairmont Hotel Washington DC will light blue again this year and created a drink in honor of the event called "The Blue Karizma" and will donate a portion of the proceeds to Autism Speaks.

"Colliers is proud to be part of Light It Up Blue again this year, raising awareness for Autism Speaks and those who are affected by an autism spectrum disorder.  The generosity of our clients never ceases to amaze me, as we were able to double our participation from last year and join this world wide event to shine the light on autism awareness," said Karen Whitt, President of U.S. Investor & Real Estate Management Services with Colliers International.

Bentall Kennedy and its properties will join a list of more than 18,600 iconic landmarks, businesses, communities and homes that will shine a bright light on autism this year. Some of those buildings include the Empire State Building in NYC, the CN Tower in Canada, the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, and even the International Space Station.

For ways to get involved in Light It Up Blue visit www.autismspeaks.org/liub. The website provides a number of creative ideas and ways to donate, including hosting blue-themed gatherings, wearing the Autism Speaks puzzle piece pin, purchasing blue Philips light bulbs sold exclusively at The Home Depot, and turning whole neighborhoods blue.

 "Autism Speaks is proud to partner with Jeanette Flory and her colleagues for our Light It Up Blue campaign.   This campaign isn't just about illuminating more buildings blue across the country each and every year.  This campaign is about raising autism awareness for the 70 million people worldwide who are affected.  We are honored Bentall Kennedy has stepped up to play such a major role in that effort," said Marley Rave, National Director-Major Giving for Autism Speaks.  

A list of Light It Up Blue participants is available on the Light It Up Blue website. 

About Bentall Kennedy

Bentall Kennedy, a Sun Life Investment Management company, is one of North America's largest real estate investment advisors and one of its foremost providers of real estate services. Bentall Kennedy serves the interests of more than 550 institutional clients and investors across office, retail, industrial, and multi-residential properties throughout Canada and the U.S. Bentall Kennedy is a member of UN PRI and is a recognized global leader in Responsible Property Investing. Bentall Kennedy includes Bentall Kennedy (U.S.) Limited Partnership and Bentall Kennedy (Canada) Limited Partnership. For more information, visit www.bentallkennedy.com.

About Autism Speaks

Autism Speaks is the world's leading autism science and advocacy organization. It is dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families. Autism Speaks was founded in February 2005 by Suzanne and Bob Wright, the grandparents of a child with autism. Mr. Wright is the former vice chairman of General Electric and chief executive officer of NBC and NBC Universal. Since its inception, Autism Speaks has committed more than $525 million to its mission, the majority in science and medical research. Each year, Walk Now for Autism Speaks events are held in more than 100 cities across North America. On the global front, Autism Speaks has established partnerships in more than 60 countries on five continents to foster international research, services and awareness. To learn more about Autism Speaks, please visit AutismSpeaks.org.

SOURCE Bentall Kennedy

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