Jim Clarke, Founder of the 2 BigHearts Foundation

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We talked with Jim Clarke, the Founder of the 2 BigHearts Foundation, a couple of days after the first big meeting where we showcased hard-hitting, powerful strategy for his organization.

Here are a few things we heard:

“Last night was really special. This is something that we can hardly believe.”

“Robert is so cool and the team is made up of real professionals. They move us to think differently and more focused.”

“This exercise will make us better, better prepared to execute our mission. We will be made so much better as a foundation.”  

“We feel blessed.”

Robert Zolna, Associate Partner/Creative Director at gravitytank

By the end of September, the EPIC team for the 2 BigHearts Foundation will solidify the strategic framework for the organization, refine the foundation’s mission statement, develop a “pitch” kit, and rework the identity, website and printed materials.

Written by Rick Valicenti on behalf of Kelly Butler, Billy Carlson, Dan Catterson, Laureen Feeny, John Pobojewski, Vanessa Reese: CASA’s Director of Development, and Chris Ocken, the amazing photographer.

Photography by Chris Ocken

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A few notes of time (very) well spent…

On Monday evening, I had the pleasure to introduce our EPIC team of collaborative genius to the leadership of CASA; Lanetta, Gwen, and Vanessa.

For Lanetta and Gwen, this was their first exposure to our design thinking of the last three weeks which was immediately embraced as “spot on”, a comment they repeated no less than five times! I must admit that this richly diverse and dynamic group of individuals has learned to do design double dutch with each other as if we had been doing it our entire lives. Because each of us is so focused on doing the right thing for CASA and at the same time being very judicious in picking the greatest ideas from our rich process of ideation, our pixel-program is sure to be very very smart, spot on, and cool. I must admit, that if this work was for any other client it would be perceived as innovative. For CASA, however, this program we will implement feels emotionally pitch perfect.

Photography by Chris Ocken

A special note:

Kelly Kaminski has shared her great insights with us as she is an EPIC board member, and EPIC alumna, and a CASA Advocate.

In her words, “I am so impressed with the work so far and how you all have clearly embraced CASA and found new and engaging ways to express the importance and necessity of the CASA mission. After Monday’s meeting, all I could think about were the kids on the case I’m currently working on (there are three of them); my spirit and enthusiasm as an advocate was ignited and I was filled with energy for the work to be done on my case, and many more to come. I know that the new site will be an amazing recruiting tool for potential new CASA volunteers! I am certain that it will be a catalyst for increased child advocacy. Thanks so much for all of your hard work and collective efforts.”

Photography by Chris Ocken

Tonight, Project Kindle’s creative team unveiled the fruits of their (totally pro-bono) labor to Eva Payne, Executive Director of the non-profit, which services children infected with and affected by HIV/AIDS. On the other end of the conference call, dream-client Eva considered every idea like the guru of active listening that she is.

Here’s how the meeting unrolled:

** Stephen Leps, Creative Director of Zig and this team, led meeting with characteristic optimism, using such Leps-isms as: “The work is great and it’s only going to get better.” And: “Yes. We can do that.”

** Whip-smart strategist and world-traveler Anne Serr offered rigorously researched strategic plan for new website, which will provide life-saving information about HIV/AIDS to inner-city youth in relevant way.

** Senior Designers Aggie Toppins and Lisa Gainor talked client through two compelling concepts. Team and client: hard-pressed to choose one. (Educated guess: final will fuse best of both?)

** Think-before-he-speaks Sean Williams presented photography proposal that would live comfortably within campaign and, simultaneously, stand on own legs.

** Then came Nate, fearless Nate. The writer/thinker—surname Gagnon—introduced set of take-no-prisoners, viral tactics to attract ever-elusive, inner-city target to website. (Eva, fearless Eva, didn’t bat an eye.)

** Finally, Katrina Limbaugh, reigning Empress of Perfect Timing, jumped in with serious bonus point: As Zig’s Director of Communications, she noted campaign’s incredible TV and print media potential.

Everyone nodded. (You could tell even over the phone).

And Eva said: “Thanks so much for your time and commitment to Project Kindle and this website. I know it will change behavior and hearts.”

Photography by Sean Williams

The EPIC rally team, featuring the talents of Kevin Lynch, Stephanie Breese, Lucas Buick, Maris Grossman, Anne Hagerty, Myra Mazzei, and Megan Meier, helped the marketing folks at Barrel of Monkeys to craft a new look, feel, promotional ideas, and messaging for their annual FANCY SCHMANCY fundraising event. It’s coming up on October 16th at 7 pm at the Chicago Cultural Center!

Project Kindle Team: (from left to right) Stephen Leps, Anissa Keating, Anne Serr. Photography by Sean Williams

Project Kindle Team (from left to right): Anissa Keating, Anne Serr, Nate Gagnon, Katrina Limbaugh, Aggie Toppins, Stephen Leps. Photography by Sean Williams

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The EPIC rally team for Project Kindle is shining. “This is going to be great and it’s going to come together fabulously,” says Stephen Leps, the host and leader of this EPIC rally team and Creative Director at zig ideas.

By next week, the team plans to have lots of work to talk through during our first client review meeting ranging from positioning to design to communication tactics.

Project Kindle’s mission is to improve the quality of life for kids who are dealing with HIV/AIDS and other life-altering struggles. They do this by providing cost-free camping programs, year round support and advocacy for children, young adults, and families infected with or affected by HIV/AIDS and to offer innovative peer-based HIV/AIDS education for young people ages 12-24. 

One of the hardest things for kids with HIV or AIDS to deal with is the stigma they face from their peers. This insight is where our EPIC team is focusing… 

Anne Serr and Nate Gagnon. Photography by Sean Williams