Accountants Join October 18 Cancer Fundraiser in Central Park

Accounting professionals have a concrete opportunity to join a shared charitable effort this weekend. The Accountants United to End Cancer Council is organizing participation in the American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer event in Central Park on Sunday, October 18.

The official event page lists an 8 a.m. start at the Central Park Bandshell, with the location identified as West 67th Street and Central Park West in Manhattan. Council organizers have also scheduled a group photo for participating accounting firm members at the Naumburg Bandshell at 9 a.m.

Those are separate times: firms coordinating a team should not treat the photo time as the event's opening time. Participants can register through the official Making Strides of Central Park event page and review its event details before traveling.

Peter J. Scalise, national partner-in-charge of federal tax credits and incentives at Sax LLP, founded the council in 2025. Its purpose is to bring accounting firms together to raise awareness and funding for cancer research, advocacy and patient support.

The invitation is not limited to firms with a Manhattan office. The council describes multiple ways to participate, including local Relay for Life events, Making Strides walks, existing stewardship programs and fundraising tied to cancer-awareness months.

For a firm already running a charitable program, the practical question is whether an existing effort can support the council's mission. Creating another committee or separate calendar is not necessarily the most effective starting point.

The American Cancer Society's work includes research and support for people facing cancer. Its programs include information services, transportation to treatment and lodging for patients who must travel for care.

The official council fundraising page provides a way to donate or sign up beyond the Central Park event. It identifies Austin DeSavino as the ACS contact for the council. Keeping participation on the organization's official pages also gives firms a clear place to direct staff rather than circulating informal payment instructions.

For a firm joining the walk, assign one coordinator, share the registration page and confirm where the team will meet. Separate the walk logistics from the council photo so employees can choose what works for them.

For firms participating elsewhere, choose one defined activity and a responsible organizer. Participation should remain voluntary, and any firm matching arrangement should be stated clearly rather than left to assumptions.

The broader opportunity is a repeatable charitable program with a named partner and straightforward next steps. This weekend's walk is one entry point, not the only way for an accounting firm to contribute.