montgomeryadvertiser.com

Humane Society of Elmore County director Rea Cord said last year's CreateAThon helped the agency spread its message.

-- Photos by Lloyd Gallman Advertiser

When LWT Communications staff members spent 24 hours developing marketing plans for nonprofits last fall, they were working for Philip, a 13-year-old cat who needed a home.

And for Tripod, a three-legged dog described as "a cruelty case who has turned into a real sweetie." And for cage after cage of kittens, puppies, dogs and cats awaiting good homes at the Humane Society of Elmore County.

LWT Communications, a Montgomery marketing and media firm, and its sister company LWT/KBK New Media, are accepting applications for this fall's CreateAThon, an annual frenzy during which marketing ideas are created free for nine nonprofit agencies.

During the 2004 event, CreateAThon helped nine area nonprofit groups, including the Humane Society of Elmore County, said Mary Catherine Phillips, an account executive for LWT Communications.

She said 14 projects were completed, with an estimated market value of over $50,000 in agency time.

CREATEATHON 2005

Who can apply: Nonprofit agencies in the tri-county area

Deadline for applications: July 8

Winners announced: July 29

How to apply: visit www.lwtcom.com or call Mary Catherine Phillips, (334) 244-9933

"We've had a great experience during the last three events -- there was no question that we'd be part of CreateAThon 2005," 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."

Nonprofit agencies in the tri-county area may submit applications for conceptual development, copy writing and design on projects such as brochures, direct mail, outdoor boards, identity development, marketing plans and Web development.

Rea Cord, director of the Humane Society of Elmore County, said the brochures and business cards designed by LWT during last year's CreateAThon served a dual purpose: they helped the Humane Society get its message out and they allowed the agency to direct its money toward its services instead of marketing.

Rea Cord, director of Humane Society of Elmore County, with one of the puppies at the shelter on Tuesday.

That means more money for taking care of the cat and four kittens that were dropped off Tuesday morning, a 3-year-old cocker spaniel who will receive heartworm medication and a foster home, and a pointer that is beloved by staff members because, despite suffering from starvation, she let her puppies eat first when they came to the shelter.

"We didn't have a professional-looking brochure about what we do here," Cord said. "Visibility is the key. A lot of people don't know about shelters."

Ellen Fallon, animal care manager at the shelter, said, "This gives us the opportunity to give medication to animals, and the vitamins they need."

And to provide shelter for critters like 13-year-old Philip.

"He's a sweet cat," Cord said. "There's a home for him out there somewhere."