• by Masha Geller , October 31, 2001

After yesterday's minute, I was pleasantly surprised at the number of MediaPost readers who emailed me asking for contact information for the Ad Council. Today, I received another press release that falls into the category of relief efforts and I thought you might be interested in passing this on to your creative departments.

The events of September 11 prompted the $17 billion per year promotional products industry's two leading organizations - the Advertising Specialty Institute and the Promotional Products Association International - to establish a new "Industry United Fund" initiative.

The group coordinates the fundraising and charitable activities of over 20,000 American-owned and operated businesses. The newest achievement of this organization is the creation of a 100% royalty-free artwork site featuring logos representing our national pride.

The website features the hundreds of original designs available for unlimited free usage. The designs feature various patriotic elements including the U.S. flag, the American Bald Eagle and more. Many also display the September 11 date as well as expressions of national pride including "United We Stand," "God Bless America" and "Let Freedom Ring." Many also include the Twin Towers and the Pentagon.

The site also features a link for making financial donations. The fund seeks monetary donations to finance this program as well as participation of manufacturers whose products will be used as a part of the gift. 100% of the proceeds go to the charities and their beneficiaries on behalf of the entire promotional products industry.