Little City Launches ‘I am my own Hero’ Campaign

With the steadfast goals of generating much-needed awareness and funds for children and adults with autism and other intellectual and developmental disabilities, Little City rolled out a strategic awareness and year-end appeal focusing on numerous success stories that make the children and adults at Little City, “heroes.”

“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to preserve and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles,” once stated Christopher Reeve.

“This was the compelling statement that birthed the concept,” said Executive Director Shawn E. Jeffers. “We remain inspired because we have the opportunity to witness first-hand, each and every day, how the children and adults at Little City find the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles; to me, they’re heroes.”

Little City’s Hero Campaign focuses on seven individuals, highlighting a unique, heroic attribute.  The campaign tells the story of an award-winning athlete, an artist, an advocate and more.

Little City’s communication and marketing team utilized print, social media, direct mail and outdoor advertising opportunities (including posters and car cards on the Metra and CTA) to spur interest of these special stories.  The campaign also aims to humanize and empower individuals with disabilities.

“One of our key goals is to raise $10,000 per individual per year to maintain the quality-of-life standards we’ve established for those we serve,” commented Director of Individual Giving Dana Rice. “And we know that our donors like supporting success stories—this campaign was inevitable because Little City has countless inspiring success stories.”

”I am my own Hero” follows Little City’s award-winning “I am the One” awareness and acquisition campaign, which earned the non-profit organization six awards, including the Publicity Club of Chicago (PCC) Golden Trumpet for Community Relations, the PCC Quality-of-Life Award (one of four top honors), the Chicago Association of Direct Marketing Past-Presidents’ Award (Best in Show) and the PRSA Chicago Award of Excellence, among others.

 “In all our marketing and communications, we aim to enlighten, educate and advocate,” added Director of Communications & Marketing Lisa Hoffmann.  “There are numerous organizations that use the word, ‘hero,’ to describe donors they wish to solicit; I appreciate how our team sought to communicate that some of our society’s most inspiring heroes are individuals with disabilities.”

For over 50 years, Little City has provided innovative programs and services for children and adults with disabilities, equipping them with the necessary tools to become their own hero and live dignified and meaningful lives.

Those interested in supporting Little City Heroes may make a donation at littlecity.org/hero.

For complete information, visit www.littlecity.org or contact Lisa Hoffman at lhoffmann@littlecity.org or 847-221-7825 or Sally Blake at sblake@littlecity.org or 847-221-7831.