The advertising community gave generously to the Off the Street Club Holiday Luncheon, as demonstrated by their record-breaking contributions of over $570,000 raised exclusively through the annual sell-out event attended by 760 guests Dec. 4 at the Swissotel.
Donations are expected to continue pour in through the holidays.
“Our doors stay open and our hearts stay full of hope, thanks to the generous sponsorship of our donors. We are forever grateful,” says Ralph Campagna, OTSC dedicated executive director for the past three decades.
The $570,000 to date exceeds the $500,000 the event has raised over the previous three years. Over three-quarters of current donations came from ticket and table sales; the remainder from raffle tickets and silent auction sales and the Moment of Giving, a 5-minute portion of the luncheon program.
FCB Chicago was the lead agency organizing the event, working with FCB-X, DDB, OMD, Arc, Digitas, Ogilvy & Mather, Leo Burnett, Cramer-Krasselt, Weber Shandwick, McGarryBowen, CommonGround, Havas Worldwide, Edelman, Omnicom, Energy BBDO, Two by Four, and Burrell Communications.
Funds will be used to support some 20 programs, that include a tutoring and mentoring program, such as the Girls Center, where girls can experience “girl power” and heightened self-esteem; athletic programs, a Computer Leaning and Performing Arts Centers; places to learn photography, arts and crafts, get after school homework help and where boys and girls meet and interact safely and respectfully throughout the Club.
Plenty of fun is available, too, like roller skating on the indoor rink, building cars for a Soap Box Derby, dance, play musical instruments, take field trips and have the experience of attending a summer camp. go to a summer camp.4-18, in the large building complex located at 25 N. Karlov in the tough West Garfield neighborhood.
The annual Holiday Luncheons have been the major funding source for Off the Street Club since 1902, when Frank Thomas of Lord & Thomas, the predecessor agency of FCB, first got on board to help what is now the oldest after school, inner city club.
Although many other organizations help keep the Club going, it traditionally has been advertising community contributions that have provided its greatest and continuous support for 112 of its 114 years of service.
