BROOKLYN, NY--(Marketwired - Dec 9, 2013) - Columbia Utilities and PALMco, family owned and operated energy supply companies, announced today a major new partnership with the American Childhood Cancer Organization (ACCO), one of the largest national organizations dedicated to improving the lives of children and adolescents with cancer and their families.

Through "Columbia Cares" and "PALMco Cares," Columbia Utilities and PALMco customers will be able to make an impact on the lives of others by simply paying their utility bills. Both campaigns pledge to donate at least $10,000 in total by the end of 2014.

ACCO has been providing essential treatment information and support to families whose children have been diagnosed with cancer since 1970. Started by parents, ACCO remains the largest grassroots voice of children with cancer in the country.

"Being a family owned business, we feel a special connection with ACCO not only because it was founded by a group of parents, but also because it is a strong voice and pillar of support for all families of children with cancer," said Robert Palmese, President of Columbia Utilities and PALMco. "The partnership enables customers to turn an everyday task like paying their utility bills into an opportunity to make a difference in the life of a child. As a father myself, I am proud to do my part to help ACCO, and hope customers will join us in aiding families to combat this deadly disease."

"While childhood cancer has seen an improvement in survival since our organization's founding, sadly, childhood cancer remains the leading cause of death by disease of America's children," said Ruth Hoffman, ACCO's Executive Director. "The needs are great and ACCO is thankful for this partnership with Columbia Utilities and PALMco. We are grateful to their customers who can so easily make a difference in the lives of these courageous children because kids can't fight cancer alone."

For every new customer who participates, Columbia Utilities and PALMco will donate $1 every month to ACCO for each gas and/or electric account. There is no limit to how much can be donated and both companies will continue their monthly donation for all loyal customers, making it Columbia Utilities' and PALMco's most significant partnership to date.

This new partnership comes at a time when nonprofit organizations such as ACCO are experiencing fundraising challenges. Now more than ever, nonprofits are recognizing the value of corporate partnerships, which can bring awareness and much needed funds to their cause. Columbia Utilities and PALMco hope to expand this critical partnership by hosting additional fundraising events and bringing more awareness to ACCO's work and mission.

Columbia Utilities and PALMco are sister companies, based in Brooklyn, New York, and owned and operated by the same family. Columbia Utilities supplies electricity, gas, and oil in New York, while PALMco supplies gas and electricity in Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

Columbia Utilities
Columbia Utilities is a family owned and operated energy supply company (ESCO) that supplies electricity, gas, and oil in New York. Our family has been in the energy business for 75 years, and we dedicate ourselves to providing quality service, customer satisfaction, dependable energy, and competitive prices. For more information, please visit www.columbiautilities.com.

PALMco Energy
PALMco Energy is a family owned and operated energy supply company (ESCO) that supplies gas and electricity in Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. Our family has been in the energy business for 75 years, and we dedicate ourselves to providing quality service, customer satisfaction, dependable energy, and competitive prices. For more information, please visit www.palmcoenergy.com.