A dollar can be used for many things. You can use that dollar to help in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Even a small donation can make a big difference.

"The Ad Council was able to act quickly after the tornadoes to develop the PSAs this week because of their partnership with the Disaster Relief Coalition which was announced to coincide with Hurricane Sandy last fall. The coalition of humanitarian and aid organizations came together with the goal of developing consistent messages that can be used in times of crisis to motivate people to donate money in support of domestic and international relief efforts. Coalition members include U.S. Agency for International Development and USAID’s Center for International Disaster Information, The UPSFoundation, the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and InterAction. The new television PSA was developed by Free Range Studios.

“We know from our experience in addressing crises such as Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina and the earthquake in Haiti that Americans respond quickly and generously following disasters to offer a helping hand,” said Peggy Conlon, president and CEO of the Ad Council. “As an extension of our longstanding partnership with the United Way, we’re proud to join the United Way of Central Oklahoma to educate Americans about the benefits of monetary donations to support those affected by the crisis in Oklahoma and encourage them to make a contribution.”

The PSAs are being distributed to media outlets nationwide today. DG and Extreme Reach have donated the digital distribution for television PSAs, and Laser Video Lafayette Hill, PA has donated their editing and encoding services. The following media companies have made early commitments to support the PSAs: A+E Networks, CBSTelevision Network, Discovery Communications, Fox Broadcasting and Fox’s cable networks, Parade Media Group, Turner Broadcasting networks and Viacom, Inc." Source: (http://www.multivu.com/mnr/61862-ad-council-launches-new-psa-s-to-benefit-oklahoma-tornado-relief-efforts)

I find a rich experience in seeing goodwill toward all and knowing that I had something to offer during difficult times for so many. It was a really disturbing thing to see New York and surrounding areas get hit by a hurricane. That said, there was so much to take note of: thousands coming together to help one another, millions of dollars in donations, government agencies working as one. There were a couple versions of this spot, one of which was used a year later for the Oklahoma Tornado Relief by a collaboration between The United Way of Oklahoma and Ad Council.

Agency: Free Range Studios