2018 FUNDRAISING WINNERS
Category No. 6: Printed Fundraising Appeal
OPUS DESIGN FOR WALNUT HILL SCHOOL FOR THE ARTS
Natick, MA USA
Grades 9-PG, Coed Boarding and Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
I absolutely love the creativity of this piece and how well it ties to the school's mission. To the point and impactful.
Clever, original, fresh, representative of a school dedicated to the arts — very compelling!
Very clever and humorous re-making of images well-known to the school community. It conveys what the school is all about (arts) without a lot of language. I call that design decision "sensible risk-taking." Inviting recipients to answer a question is a fun way to engage them. How often do we get to see a fund-raising piece infused with humor?
TEAM
Ellery Curran, Art Director
Emily Knapp, Sr. Graphic Designer
MISSION MINDED FOR SAN FRANCISCO DAY SCHOOL
San Francisco, CA USA
Grades K-8, Coed Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
This piece is simple — yet so compelling. Surprisingly, though there is not a lot of photography, the graphic elements and quotes work with the few photos to emotionally pull you in. The written content is concise and every word so well thought out. Love the headlines. Less is more in this piece and it really works well!
This is an overall excellent piece - from the die-cut design element, to the copy, to the beautiful, emotion-evoking photography, to the pull-quotes from constituents. The case for giving is simply spelled out, and there are clear calls to action.
The die-cut fold-out cover in bright colors creating the San Francisco skyline is a show stopper. Wow. The text is high-energy, upbeat and lively, with a "let's get going together" message that comes through loud and clear. This is some of the most motivational campaign language I've ever read.
TEAM
Rod Lemaire, Creative Director
Todd Shulte, Art Director/Designer
Stephanie Swain, Senior Brand Strategist/Writer
Romayne Levee, Senior Brand Strategist
Leah Fasten, Photographer
SAUL MIROWITZ JEWISH COMMUNITY SCHOOL
St. Louis, MO USA
Grades K-8, Coed Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
In a field of very different fundraising pieces, the Mirowitz appeal really stands out for originality and effectiveness. The message is what you would expect, but since you're required to interact with it, you really are compelled to read the words. The content and design are really well thought out.
So creative. Love the interactive design with a mission-appropriate message.
TEAM
Patty Bloom, Director of Admissions and Marketing
Ann Mayer Eisen, Graphic Design
Margo Newman, Director of Development
HARVARD-WESTLAKE SCHOOL
Studio City, CA USAz
Grades 7-12, Coed Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
I have never seen a theme so well carried through in an annual report as Harvard-Westlake has done here. The photography and words are so beautiful and compelling that they could be a hard cover coffee table book if taken out of the context of the annual report. I love that the school has taken so much care in designing an annual report that will be saved, shared and thumbed through as an art book is.
An excellent stewardship piece. The arts theme is carried beautifully throughout. Almost the entire text is quotes, lending quite a sense of community. Photos and poetry and even sheet music break up the lists of donor names. Had I been a donor, I would feel celebrated for my gift to this amazing school.
TEAM
Ari Engelberg, Head of Communications & Strategic Initiatives
Agnes Pierscieniak, Creative Director
Elizabeth Hurchalla, Content Director
Shauna Aliteri, Assistant Director of Communications
Category No. 7: Fundraising Video, In-House
MISS PORTER'S SCHOOL
Farmington, CT USA
Grades 9-12, Girls Boarding and Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
An extremely persuasive video which engages the audience by explaining exactly how donations will be used and why they are much needed. Copy was interesting and both factual and persuasive. Great filmography and fun content.
Voiceover by enthusiastic students draws you in - and then they reveal exactly what one's gift to the annual fund makes possible (ex. athletic uniforms) in sync with the visuals. Tightly edited, good pace, very impressive. Sure to tug on the heartstrings of alumnae and parents.
TEAM
Skyler Magnoli, Digital Content Strategist
Jennifer Eburg, Associate Director of Communications and Marketing
Anne Baker, Director of Annual Giving
MCCALLIE SCHOOL
Chattanooga, TN USA
Grades 6-12, Boys Boarding and Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
This video magically shares the story of McCallie student Jamie Hickling, capturing his extraordinary educational journey and expertly weaving in McCallie's influence on his path. The breathtaking videography enhances the sense of wonder and the unique accomplishments that McCallie has made possible. It reels in the donor with the story, then ends with a strong, simple GIVE TODAY. It's awe inspiring and motivational, all in under two minutes — well done!
Extremely high quality video for an in-house production — terrifying shots, in fact, of the student rock climbing at dizzying angles. This seems to be one in a series promoting the Annual Fund, and as he tells his own story, you get a clear sense of how McCallie builds confidence in its students. This video goes in strong from the student perspective and succeeds.
TEAM
Brandan Roberts, Assistant Director of Communications and Marketing
PACIFIC HILLS SCHOOL
Sydney, Australia
Grades Prep-Year 12, Coed Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
A collaboration between an independent school and its partner school for children with developmental differences, this is a standout. Students from both schools address the camera with smiles and conviction. Love the captioning for each speaker. The direct request for support, looking straight at the camera, is refreshing. Well done.
A really original and endearing video. A creative concept with great visuals. A very positive and collaborative effort.
TEAM
Fiona King, Videographer & Co-Producer
Bil Ghali, Co-Producer
GERMANTOWN FRIENDS SCHOOL
Philadelphia, PA USA
Grades K-12, Coed Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
Love the kinetic text, simple messaging, and that it was produced by students — very effective.
An excellent video with a fresh, original approach. The students and copy were persuasive, and the graphics were fun, original and very engaging.
TEAM
Amanda Reath, Annual Fund Manager
Matthew Flynn '19, Student
Ben Rosin '20, Student
Thomas Shaw '20, Student
Category No. 8: Fundraising Video, Outsourced
THE WINSOR SCHOOL
Boston, MA USA
Grades 5-12, Girls Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
This is a storytelling with substance. The carefully thought out interview questions and responses create an unscripted dialogue that makes this an honest portrayal. We get to know these teachers so well in this shorter video.The quotes from the teachers show how much they care about students.The photography and sound are excellent. The slow motion b-roll of school life is enjoyable.
It's a beautiful video. I like the focus on teaching and to introduce the faculty philosophy.
TEAM
Naomi Walker, Assistant Director of Communications
Mark Gilday Jr., Independent Video Producer
ROBBINS HEBREW ACADEMY
Toronto, ON Canada
Grades N-8, Coed Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
Great message with high quality images! Wonderful video!
Nice, simple video that shows a vibrant student body. The music is up-lifting. I like how they state their core values. At only one minute running time, it manages to gently convey lots of information both visually and in copy. The photography is well thought out and creative.
Gorgeous photography and music.
TEAM
Suzanne Porter, Chief Executive Officer, Porter Hughes
Dierdre Hughes, Chief Creative Officer, Porter Hughes
Rob Vena, Co-Founder, Creative Director, Feast Creative Interactive
Lucia Mariani, Co-Founder, Feast Creative Interactive
Ronnie Strasser, RHA Parent
Claire Sumerlus, Head of School
Kara Lysne-Paris, Director of Marketing & Communications
Reagan Macklin, Director of Strategic Development
THE ARCHER SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
Los Angeles, CA USA
Grades 6-12, Girls Day
SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
Compelling video demonstrating the essential need of girls' schools in today's world, filled with gender bias. The clips of students are a wonderful ways to recognize awards and achievements and shows how each success matters for individual girls. I felt the urgency around supporting and empowering young women today.
Engaging message and use of students. Loved the use of awards and stats.
TEAM
Quyen Ngo, Director of Communications & Strategic Marketing
Sara Billings, Director of Advancement
Avani Patel Shah, Communications & Strategic Marketing Manager
Victor Borachuk, Executive Producer/Director, JupiterReturn
Category No. 9: Fundraising Web Page
No awards given