You know those fundraising letters about homeless puppies? This is not one of them.

Instead, we're asking for help for a different cause. One that we believe is just as important.

Creativity.

When you support the RAF, you support the collective creativity within our community. And consider the impact that will have: Fuel our local creativity and you fuel our local economy.

Some of the ways we make a difference:

  • Held every year in Rochester since 1991, the Addy Awards unite clients from major corporations—Xerox, Constellation, Excellus, Paetec, Kodak, and more—with the area's top agencies and suppliers. Winning work is forwarded to regional and national competition, further showcasing the depth of talent here. The show not only boosts morale, but also serves as a powerful recruitment and business development tool.
  • Over the years, the RAF has provided networking opportunities and professional development events for thousands of creative communications professionals and students. We've hosted dozens of inspirational speaker events. Ongoing programs such as RAF Speedating and annual Portfolio Reviews have connected thousands of young guns with seasoned pros. In addition, the RAF Student Scholarship Fund has awarded thousands to deserving students. Since 1991, we've helped countless students and professionals make connections that have landed them internships and full-time positions in Rochester firms, rather than taking their talents out of town.
  • Since its inception in 2003, the RAF Freelance Expo has generated thousands of dollars for our local economy by connecting hundreds of entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small companies with hundreds of business and agency creative leaders. The number of professional connections, new projects, and new business generated from this event is significant—and growing each year.
  • We've recently launched Creativity United, a collaboration with AIGA, the Little Theatre and other arts and cultural organizations in our community. Our aim is to encourage participation in our local art, film, and music scene. It is, after all, our creative fuel!

In short, the RAF connects a whole community of creative thinkers and doers: art directors, graphic designers, writers, production specialists, account planners and executives, marketing managers, market researchers, media planners, broadcast professionals, small business owners, photographers, illustrators, interactive designers, film and video producers and editors, printers, as well as students interested in a career as any of the above.

But we can't do it without your help.

The RAF is and always has been a grassroots volunteer organization and we do incur expenses in our efforts to serve our community. So we’re asking our entire community to stretch their support and give to the RAF I HEART CREATIVITY Fall Appeal.

If you’ve never participated in the RAF, there is no better time to start. Whether you can give $1,000 or $100 or $25 or even $10, your contribution will help us in our efforts to keep our community vital, energized, and inspired.

We may not be as cute and cuddly as a homeless puppy, but heart us and we will heart you back all year long—and then some!

Please feel free to contact me if you'd like more information on the RAF, this appeal, or how you can get more involved. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Kate Sonnick
President

P.S. Your tax-deductible gift—no matter how large or small—will ensure that the RAF's commitment to connecting our creative community will continue in 2008-09 and beyond. We ♥ you for your support!