Here at Voices for Children (VFC), we are dedicated to sharing stories of exceptional advocacy and resiliency. And when we receive recognition for creative excellence, that is the cherry on top of the cake. And that’s exactly what happened to “20 Years Later,” an impact video created in partnership with Paradeigm Films for Voices for Children. The video is a moving account of two brothers and their CASA volunteer, which premiered at VFC’s annual fundraiser, Starry Starry Night, in 2022.
Voices for Children and Paradeigm Films worked closely together, conducting extensive interviews with our video subjects to truly capture the unique facets of their story over a period of 20 years.
The American Advertising Federation (AAF) recently awarded “20 Years Later” with the prestigious Gold ADDY Award, which recognizes the highest level of artistic work in the advertising industry. The annual recognitions known as the ADDY Awards – or simply, the ADDYs – are presented by the AAF. As an organization, being considered for the award in itself was an honor, but receiving a Gold ADDY is one of the highest industry accolades you can receive. The American Advertising Awards is the industry’s largest and most representative competition, attracting nearly 35,000 entries annually. It is particularly meaningful that we received this award, as “20 Years Later” was our first collaboration with Paradeigm Films. They brought an unwavering commitment to excellence combined with mission-rich storytelling.
It is a privilege to share the stories of exemplary advocacy of our CASA volunteers and highlight the resiliency of the youth we serve. It is extra special to be recognized by your peers for all the dedication, collaboration, hard work, and heart that goes into telling these stories. But the recognition continues beyond there.
At this year’s Sandie Awards, the San Diego chapter of the American Marketing Association (San Diego AMA) also recognized Voices for Children and Paradeigm Films for our collaborative production of “20 Years Later.” The 2023 Sandie Awards recognize the best marketing work produced in the Greater San Diego area in 2022.
Paradeigm’s thoughtful collaboration has amplified our work and the impact of our CASAs on the lives of children in foster care. “Partnering with Voices for Children to create films that help amplify and bring awareness to the challenges of foster youth underlines our mission. Every story matters, and it’s an honor to contribute, even if in a small way, to enriching the lives of foster youth, paving the way for a brighter, more stable future,” said Stephen Brucher, Founder & Executive Producer, Paradeigm Films
“Awards like these highlight the real-world impact of the services and resources we are privileged to provide to our CASA volunteers and children in foster care,” said Suzy Garcia, Director of Marketing and Communications at Voices for Children. “The recognition is wonderful, and the driven efforts of our partner Paradeigm Films to profoundly understand our mission and continually elevate the profile of Voices for Children locally and nationally is invaluable.”
Paradeigm Films and Voices for Children are enthusiastically working together on this year’s impact videos, which will premiere at the 2023 Starry Starry Night.
Riverside County – CASA of the Month – September 2023