Minneapolis, MN – July 27, 2012 – This week marks two exciting milestones for long-time partners Fallon Minneapolis and Children’s Defense Fund: the launch of a provocative new campaign and the 25-year anniversary of their pro bono alliance.
As the federal government looks for ways to reduce the deficit, children’s programs are at risk of being cut from the budget. With a series of ads, Fallon and CDF reveal the “Be Careful What You Cut” campaign, challenging policy makers and the public to protect and invest in children’s programs.
The campaign brings the real mistake of cutting child investments into sharp focus. With one image, the print work illustrates how protecting programs for kids today can drastically alter their lives in the future, while saving society more money in the long run. To extend the idea, Fallon created a Facebook application that allows users to upload their own childhood photos with a “Be Careful What You Cut” overlay to show support for children. All campaign efforts drive to becarefulwhatyoucut.com, a site where users can learn more about CDF and get involved.
Fallon and Children’s Defense Fund began their relationship in 1986, when CDF’s Marketing Director, Maggie Williams, sought out Fallon to help raise the profile of the organization. Since then, Fallon has created more than 100 print ads and 25 television commercials for CDF, tackling contentious issues such as teen pregnancy, gun control and health insurance.
Marian Wright Edelman, President and Founder of CDF, states, “Fallon doesn’t just create ads for us, for 25 years they have always helped us think strategically about our messaging on behalf of children. We are grateful to the dedicated team at Fallon for this new “Be Careful What You Cut” campaign which uses compelling and provocative images and ideas to help us wake people up during this most dangerous time for children in America. We hope all people who care about children will learn what some of the nation’s leading economists have proven: cutting investments in children now costs all of us later.”
Pat Fallon, founder of Fallon Minneapolis, observes that the 25-year relationship with Children’s Defense Fund has served to nurture the work culture at Fallon. “People want to work on CDF, and they’ll find a way to fit it in. They want to use their creativity and energy for a cause they believe in.”
Fred Senn, co-founder of Fallon Minneapolis, notes the impact this partnership has had on him personally. “CDF wasn’t just another account. Marian Edelman taught me so much about children’s issues. As I approach retirement, Marian has inspired me to put my marketing experience to work on children’s causes in Minnesota.”
About Fallon
Fallon Minneapolis is a division of Fallon Worldwide, a part of Publicis Groupe S.A. based in Paris. Fallon Minneapolis’ clients include: Cadillac, H&R Block, Travelers Insurance, Starz, Nestlé Purina, Nestlé Beverages, Charter Communications, General Mills, The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Buffalo Wild Wings, TheLadders.com and Deluxe. Fallon Worldwide is one of the world’s most critically acclaimed creativity companies, delivering inventive business solutions for some of the world’s leading brands. Additional information can be found at fallon.com.
About Children’s Defense Fund
The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) is a non-profit child advocacy organization that has worked relentlessly for nearly 40 years to ensure a level playing field for all children. CDF champions policies and programs that lift children out of poverty; protect them from abuse and neglect; and ensure their access to health care, quality education and a moral and spiritual foundation. Supported by foundation and corporate grants and individual donations, CDF advocates nationwide on behalf of children to ensure children are always a priority. Additional information can be found at childrensdefense.org.