Companies will aid non-profit organizations

MONTGOMERY -- LWT Communications and sister company LWT/KBK New Media, a Web design and development group, are closing their doors on Sept. 30 to aid local non-profit organizations in their individual marketing efforts.

The Montgomery-based firms are inviting organizations to submit applications for CreateAThon, a 24-hour creative blitz during which staff members provide marketing and creative services to select Tri-County non-profits free of charge. The services may include conceptual development, copy writing and design on projects such as brochures, direct mail, outdoor boards, identity development, marketing plans, Web development and others.

For the third year, LWT Communications, a marketing and media firm, is the only advertising and marketing firm in Alabama participating in CreateAThon.

"We've had a great experience during the last two events -- there was no question that we'd be part of CreateAThon 2004," said David Allred, a partner in LWT Communications. "Our staff had a strong commitment to the organizations we selected. They really pushed the creative envelope on behalf of these clients."

LWT again anticipates support from local companies such as printers, paper suppliers, photographers and production companies in producing marketing materials for the non-profits that are selected.

Skinner Printing, Davis Printing, Walker Printing, Colorcraft, Robert Fouts Photography and MAC Paper all donated time and materials to CreateAThon 2003 recipients.

The CreateAThon concept was introduced by a South Carolina advertising firm in 1999, which licensed other advertising agencies nationwide to participate. Last year, CreateAThon 2003 provided marketing services to 140 non-profit organizations, producing more than 250 projects. The market value of the work produced during 2003's event is estimated at more than $1.2 million, all provided at little or no cost to the selected non-profits.

LWT will choose non-profit organizations from applications to receive free creative services during CreateAThon. Planning meetings will be held with each organization prior to the event, which will kick off at noon Sept. 30, with a staff meeting outlining project assignments. LWT team members will work on behalf of the selected charities around the clock for the next 24 hours.

The deadline for CreateAThon 2004 applications is July 16. Organizations selected to receive the services of CreateAThon 2004 will be announced July 30.

For an application, visit www.lwtcom.com or call Cindy Scott at (334) 244-9933.