CreateAthon 2007 Issues ‘Call to Arms’ to Fellow Advertising, Graphics Agencies
Organizers of 24 Hour Creative Blitz Issue Friendly Agency Challenge
Columbia, SC – April 16, 2007 – Set aside all your current paying agency projects, devote talented staff to work for 24 hours straight, and by the way – you don’t get paid. Organizers of the 2007 CreateAthon, the 24 hour creative blitz where advertising and graphics agencies provide professional work for local non profits, are banking on the generosity of agency leaders and call the program the best investment an agency can make.
Celebrating their 10th Anniversary, CreateAthon organizers have issued a challenge to agencies across the nation in their goal to sign up 40 agencies for the September 2007 event by May 18. Their “Call to Arms” is a friendly challenge to agency executives looking to develop an organized program for dealing with pro bono requests, make a tremendous positive difference in their respective communities, and internally, create a renewed sense of morale and teamwork within an agency.
Founded by Teresa Coles and Cathy Monetti, partners at advertising agency RIGGS in South Carolina, CreateAthon has evolved from a small event hosted by their agency in 1998, to a nationwide program involving a total of 40 agencies, and helping hundreds of non profit organizations by developing literally millions of dollars in donated agency work product. “But this year, we’re looking for 40 agencies to participate in this particular event,” Coles says.
“As agency leaders, we are often asked to give of our time and talent, and this industry as a whole has some of the most giving and generous individuals who genuinely wish we could help everyone,” Coles said. “The CreateAthon program gives a structure to handling these requests and provides a platform that brings people together. I am amazed each year at the team building and camaraderie that I see from the various agency teams, and each year the tears of joy shed by some very deserving non profit organizations. It’s a lot of work, but it’s so invigorating and humbling to see the creative juices flowing and the high quality of the work that is ultimately produced that makes such a difference in building awareness for worthwhile and often underfunded charities.”
Coles explains that agencies seeking to get involved should log on to www.createathon.org for more information. Once an agency signs up, the logistical work in planning and hosting a CreateAthon Event is already developed and made available to participating agencies.
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About CreateAthon
The deadline for agencies to agree to participate in this year’s CreateAthon is Friday, May 18. CreateAthon partnerships are available to agencies one per market and on a first-come, first-served basis; however, an agency may choose to challenge or partner with another in the market. Participation is simple: Adopt the basic approach behind CreateAthon, a 24-hour work blitz for charity, and hold the event during CreateAthon Week (September 10 – 16, 2007). While agencies can hold their event during any 24-hour period that week, Thursday – Friday, September 13 – 14 is recommended. Agencies must commit at least a portion of their staff to participate in the event and complete a minimum of five projects. When an agency signs on as a CreateAthon partner, they will be granted legal access to the trademarked name and identity of CreateAthon, as well as access to the password protected portion of the www.createathon.org website, which includes a complete how-to kit.
The kit has the following components:
• checklist of the basic steps to follow in planning, implementing and promoting the event
• recommended timetable of event activities (hint — you need to start soon)
• suggestions on how to compile a nonprofit database to issue applications
• sample press releases
• access to the official CreateAthon identity, along with guidelines for basic uses
About CreateAthon Founders
RIGGS, Inc. is a full service advertising agency headquartered in Columbia, S.C., providing a broad array of strategic planning and creative services related to brand marketing. Major clients represented by Riggs include those in banking, healthcare, tourism, economic development and retail sectors. More information can be accessed at www.riggspeak.com.
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Editor’s Notes
Past Work Available Here: http://www.createathon.org/
Interviews Available via Media Contact: rroeser@eisenmanagementgroup.com or 859.586.4302
Localization w/ Local Participating Agencies
2003 Article: http://www.howdesign.com/
