» Client: The Friends of The Times-Picayune
» Job: Organize a fundraiser — aimed at the Washington media community — for The Friends of The Times-Picayune, the relief fund for the employees and families of the New Orleans newspaper hard hit by Katrina.
» Agency: Lipman Hearne in Washington, D.C.
» Theme: The spirit of New Orleans
» The Concept: Lipman Hearne organized an evening fundraiser at Acadiana restaurant — which is known for its Louisiana-influenced Cajun fare — that highlighted the positive aspects of New Orleans. In addition to the venue, Lipman Hearne brought in a jazz band and offered themed cocktails that reflected the spirit of the city. The agency made a conscious decision to focus on the spirit of New Orleans, rather than the devastation. However, a slide show with pictures of Times-Picayune employees’ flooded homes and other shots of neighborhoods affected by Katrina played throughout theevening.
» The Plan: Lipman Hearne did the D.C. fundraiser pro bono. Starting in November, the agency pulled together an invite list of high-profile Washington journalists. More than 200 people from Washington’s media industry turned out for the party, held on Jan. 25 and raised more than $30,000.
» Creative Team: Rodney Ferguson (managing director and principal), Melanie Pipkin (account executive)
» Background: Lipman Hearne is a full-service marketing and communications firm that primarily serves the nonprofit community. Clients include The University of Maryland School of Law and Arena Stage.
» Working on Next: Projects for the MacArthur Fellows, The Brookings Institution, Kettering University and the Knowledge Works Foundation.
