CreateAthon Austin Offers Pro Bono Marketing Services to Local Nonprofits
AIGA and BuildASign.com team up to bring 24-hour event to Austin for the first time
AUSTIN, TX -- July 5, 2012 -- AIGA and BuildASign.com invite area nonprofits to submit applications for the first-ever CreateAthon Austin, to be held the September 20-21, 2012. The 24-hour, work-around-the-clock event brings volunteers together to provide pro bono creative marketing services to selected nonprofit organizations.
With more than 5,000 501(c)3 organizations competing for volunteer hours and donations in Central Texas alone, nonprofits need -- now more than ever -- strong branding and marketing collateral to help them stand out from the crowd. However, limited budgets and resources often stand in the way.
"Austin is home to so many nonprofits that deserve creative marketing services to help them support their missions," said Erin Bender, President of AIGA Austin. "We look forward to making that possible through CreateAthon Austin, and can't wait to see the work this event produces."
Austin-area nonprofits may apply to be a part of CreateAthon Austin until July 22, 2012. Selected organizations will be announced July 30. For an application or more information, please visit createathon.aigaaustin.org.
"Bringing CreateAthon to Austin made total sense," said Dan Graham, co-founder and CEO of BuildASign.com. "We live in a city full of creative professionals that are not only extremely talented, but also committed to giving back. The work this event produces in 24 hours can help make a tremendous impact in the community, and we are so excited to be a part of that."
Now in its 14th year, more than 75 agencies have participated in the national CreateAthon network, hosting annual events across the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. The program has benefited more than 1,275 nonprofits with 3,100 projects valued at more than $15 million.
About BuildASign.com
BuildASign.com is a leading online custom printing provider. Proprietary web-based technology lets customers place their online custom signage and home decor orders quickly and easily, while an innovative production system ensures that each high quality piece prints and ships with industry-leading speed. Founded in 2005, the Austin-based company – which also operates Easy Canvas Prints -- has been bootstrapped to great success, with 240 employees, $30 million in revenue and operations in the U.S., U.K., Canada, and Germany.
Through the BuildASign Gives program, the company has contributed more than $400,000 to over 400 local and national nonprofits. It has also received national recognition for its donation of more than 245,000 Welcome Home banners to friends and families of returning military service members, valuing $7.8 million.
For more information, visit www.buildasign.com, Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
About AIGA Austin
AIGA Austin is the local chapter of AIGA, the professional association for design. AIGA is the place design professionals turn to first to exchange ideas and information, participate in critical analysis and research and advance education and ethical practice. Founded as the American Institute of Graphic Arts in 1914, AIGA is the oldest and largest membership association for professionals engaged in the discipline, practice and culture of design. Its mission is to advance designing as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force.
AIGA now represents over 22,000 designers through national activities and local programs developed by 66 chapters and more than 200 student groups. For more information on AIGA Austin, visit www.aigaaustin.org. You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.