In July of 2014 we received a RFP from Meds & Food For Kids to help them with their Annual Gala that was set to take place in February 2015. The RFP consisted of naming / branding the event, creating all of the collateral materials and working within the parameters of a modest budget. When we were awarded the business in August we were excited to get started right away.

After conceptualizing for event names and themes we landed on Go Nuts for Haiti. The logo was designed to have an organic hand drawn feel and incorporate the MFK color palate. Once the logo was in place the next order of business was to get the Save the Date direct mailer design as well as the Sponsorship Packets.

These items needed to go out right away and were to be the first impression of this year’s gala so they had to be on point. Once we got the initial items taken care of we had a little breathing room to design the most important pieces for the event, The Invite & RSVP Card. After the invites went out we were left with designing the Program for the Gala as well as supporting web & social media graphics promoting the event. 

During this process we really became passionate about the work MFK was doing and wanted to provide a little something extra that no one expected.  MFK helps farmers plant peanuts and turn them into Medika Mamba bars, a RUTF (Ready To Use Therapeutic Food), we thought we would let the peanut take center stage and add some character. We didn’t really know how the peanuts would turn out but we figured we could donate them to be auctioned off at the event. We had never painted peanuts before but it didn’t take long for our creative juices to come alive. We painted designs with the Go Nuts for Haiti logo, MFK logo as well as some well known characters like Spongebob, Dexter, Homer Simpson & the Minions from Despicable Me. 

The most rewarding part of this project was getting to attend the gala. Over six inches of snow kept some from attending, but many were there to celebrate 135,000 lives saved and helped raise over $400,000 to support MFK on continuing their mission to end malnutrition in Haiti. 

The first project isn’t the last project when you do a good job. Currently we are working with MFK to develop a new brand Nutri Yo that will look to commercially market the Medika Mamba bars and other healthy Haitian snacks. We are currently working on packaging designs and branding for their products. 

What I Learned:  It wasn’t a huge surprise but rather a reminder of the power of being passionate about your work and the people you work for. When you believe in a cause and dedicate your efforts to help it magical things happen and everyone comes off a winner. 

Disciplines: + branding + direct mail + design + identity + event marketing +packaging design + sponsorships