J. Fitzgerald Group seeks applications for event; Jack Martin named to national CreateAthon board
J. Fitzgerald Group (JFG) will once again work all day and night to provide free advertising and marketing services to area nonprofit organizations during Western New York's only CreateAthon event.
JFG invites eligible organizations to submit their applications for the annual 24-hour creative blitz, which is slated for Aug. 23-24. The deadline for applications is 5 p.m. June 11.
Nonprofit organizations may request projects by completing an online application at
jfitzgeraldgroup.com/createathon. Project scopes may include the creation of logos, letterhead packages, brochures, print or digital ads, social media plans, direct mail campaigns, posters, radio scripts, outdoor billboards, signage, banners and more. Each application will be evaluated for inclusion based on audience reach, the ability of services to make an impact for the nonprofit organization, and opportunities to help groups that are currently underfunded.
Founded in 1998 by Riggs Partners of Columbia, South Carolina, CreateAthon now includes partner agencies and universities across the U.S. and Canada. JFG is the longest-standing Riggs partner and the only one in Western New York. 2018 marks the 11th anniversary of JFG's involvement in CreateAthon.
In addition, JFG President Jack Martin was recently named to the national board of directors for CreateAthon.
"It's a huge honor to be selected to the board - especially as they look to expand their mission to provide $100 million in pro bono marketing services by 2020," Martin said. "We've built our company based on strong values and a belief in giving back to the community. CreateAthon allows us to do what we do best: provide creative marketing and advertising to help nonprofits get the word out."
Up to five organizations will be selected to take part in CreateAthon. Selections will be announced June 18. JFG will meet with each of the beneficiary nonprofits prior to the event to discuss the marketing tools they need most.
The round-the-clock creative and design marathon will begin at 8 a.m. Aug. 23, when JFG and a group of volunteer graphic designers, writers and interns will assemble at the JFG offices at 12 W. Main St., Lockport. Finished work will be presented to the selected nonprofit organizations at 8 a.m. JFG's vendor partners will then assist in getting the materials printed, placed and broadcast.
"The organizations we help are making a difference in people's lives every day," said Carmel Cerullo-Beiter, vice president of JFG. "CreateAthon is such a great way for JFG and our vendor partners to support them - especially as budgets get cut while the needs continue to grow."
Organizations that have benefited from previous JFG CreateAthon events include:
- Adoption Star
- Aquarium of Niagara
- Child Care Resource Network
- Community Missions of Niagara Frontier Inc.
- Compass House
- EquiStar Therapeutic Horseback Riding Center
- Family & Children Services of Niagara
- GCASA
- Gilda's Club
- Hope For Two
- Institute on Aging
- Inkukuleko
- Investigative Post
- Journey's End Refugee Services
- Kenan Center
- Kevin Guesthouse
- Kids Escaping Drugs
- LawNY
- Literacy Volunteers of Niagara County
- Lockport Historic Palace Theatre
- Lockport Meals On Wheels
- Mason's Mission
- Market Street Art Center
- Mental Health Association of Niagara County
- National Foundation for Celiac Awareness
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society
- Neighborhood Health Center
- Opportunities Unlimited of Niagara
- Ovarian Cancer Project
- "Pink the Rink" for Susan G. Komen
- S.E.R.V. Niagara
- Second Generation Theatre Company
- St. John The Baptist Church
- Stella Niagara Education Park
- The Buffalo Green Fund Inc.
- The Dale Association
- United Way of Greater Niagara
- VIVE Inc.
- Wheels With Wings
- WNY Challenger Sports League
Founded in 2002, J. Fitzgerald Group is an international digital marketing company specializing in full-service advertising, marketing, web design, SEO, social media management and research. JFG's client base spans local, regional and worldwide markets. JFG heightens brand equity and helps client partners increase awareness and sales. Learn more at
jfitzgeraldgroup.com.
