KANSAS CITY – To celebrate its 40th anniversary, Barkley has created a program that provides pro-bono work to 40 local non-profit organizations and businesses. The year-long program was designed to move beyond traditional agency operations and challenge partners to provide companies with creative solutions that are unique in scope and scale.

The 40 organizations in the greater Kansas City area were chosen in November of 2004, and over the course of the last 12 months, a series of strategic meetings have taken place between the pro-bono clients and Barkley Evergreen & Partners. Agency partners selected the organizations that participated, which included The KC Free Health Clinic, Animal Haven Shelter, American Jazz Museum and The Kansas City Zoo. Work for all 40 organizations is due to be complete in mid-October 2005.

Services provided ranged from brand and logo redesign, creation of fundraising programs and buzz marketing events. One such example was for Children’s Mercy Hospital, who needed to differentiate their citywide family health education program. Barkley Evergreen & Partners developed “The Community Fridge,” which placed refrigerator doors throughout the Kansas City metro area to post information about children’s health issues.

 “We strongly believe in the power of inspired work,” said Brian Brooker, CEO & Chief Creative Officer of Barkley Evergreen & Partners. “Barkley Evergreen & Partners is continually pushing to approach business in a unique way. What better way to challenge ourselves, while giving back to the community, than by working for local businesses that need the power of a big agency, but don’t have the budget. It’s a benefit for both sides.”

About Barkley:

Barkley is the largest employee-owned agency of its kind, with billings of $424 million. Founded in 1964, the company has 325 partners offering a full range of marketing communications services including advertising, public relations, events and sponsorships, relationship marketing, design, motion graphics, research and interactive marketing. Barkley is located in Kansas City with field offices across the nation. More info: www.barkleyUS.com