• by Richard Whitman , Columnist, July 23, 2020

Major League Baseball’s Opening Day is finally here. It’s so weird to be writing that on July 23. In normal times, we’d be past the All Star break. 

But as the games begin, the stadiums remain empty and thus stadium vendors — the folks that sell you all sorts of stuff that make a trip to the ball park special — continue to struggle financially. 

To help out, Ogilvy offices in New York and Chicago are coordinating an effort that’s been dubbed #FrankItForward, a social initiative helping to support these vendors. 

MLB Charities and Ball Park (the brand behind Ball Park Franks) are teaming to raise money for the effort, including an initial $100,000 commitment from Ball Park. 

They’ll be contributing more, as well. 

Fans can participate by posting a video or photo of a favorite baseball memory or “hot dog vendor moment” using the hashtag #FrankForward. Or, they can simply retweet the announcement of the program. 

Ball Park is kicking in an additional $1 for every tweet and retweet. 

MLB Charities is tasked with distributing the funds raised through the effort, which will continue through Sept. 7. 

Ogilvy has created a poignant launch film, featuring one very lonely hot dog vendor that’s narrated by actor and commercial voiceover stalwart Norm Woodel.