What started as a ninth annual fundraiser video project evolved into full event planning and production—delivered on a limited budget. With support from an anthropologist in our network, Union was introduced to Gateway to Re-Entry President and Founder, the late Tracey L. Fisher. His remarkable story and unwavering dedication, even while battling cancer, inspired us to support his mission.
Gateway to Re-Entry guides formerly incarcerated individuals and returning citizens back into their communities, while advocating for mental health resources to help keep those often overlooked on a positive, sustainable path.
Our team had 2 months to produce the fundraiser promo video, capture and create social media content, design, plan, market and promote the gala digitally and on the street.
We couldn't go lavish on the gala invitation, so we drafted and sent an invite to senators, congress members, community leaders, volunteers, supporters, and donors using a format that’s at once familiar and starkly emotional.
The team turned a modern office space into a prison, hiring a warden and correctional officers to greet unsuspecting guests. Installed a pill-line, a prison cafeteria, prison cells with inmates, even a psych ward where a real professional therapist is giving sessions.
We hired a dance company to perform a "flash-mob" dance routine that tells the story of a young man in trouble with the law, then serving his time in prison. Upon reentry into society, he encounters the same elements that got him into prison in the first place. He's destined to go back. Unless there is a better path.
Mugshots gave the chance to capture spontaneous, photo-booth type moments. But we raised the bar on a step-n-repeat by having everyone a foot taller that night in support of lifting spirits and awareness of such a good cause.
Politicians, community leaders, and program directors were among the guest speakers supporting this mission.
