• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, February 28, 2010

To celebrate its 25th anniversary, Empower MediaMarketing's 160 employees performed 24 hours of public service. The anniversary celebration -- dedicated to the theme "giving back, instead of looking back" -- had a media presence of course, as Empower documented the efforts of its employees through social media sites and solicited donations for a local non-profit online.

From 5 p.m. on Thursday, February 18 to 5 p.m. on Friday, February 19, Empower's employees pitched in for a multi-part service project at the Brighton Center in Northern Kentucky, a non-profit organization with community outreach and support services including a Family Center, the Bright Days Early Childhood Education Program, Homeward Bound Runaway Shelter, Two Rivers Senior Facility, and Saratoga Place Senior Facility.

Empower employees helped clean and renovate the Center, did arts and crafts with kids, and spent some time with other people helped by the non-profit. Several employees posted updates on various home-improvement-style projects and the other activities on Twitter, Facebook, and Flittr.

The agency has also created a microsite devoted to the center, which aggregates the various social media content and provides other information, including video, photos, and text about the center to promote its work.

Empower President Jim Price explained: "Our micro site is designed to increase advocacy for the Brighton Center. By increasing awareness through social media, our experience tells us that the Brighton Center will see additional volunteers and donations over time. It's a well-deserving organization with a variety of needs." The effort was supported by donations from Empower clients.