the experiences

Challenge

When “thank you” just isn’t enough. Salute Catholic Charities retiring president — and take the opportunity to bring people together and create a foundation for the next generation 

Approach

Retiring Catholic Charities President Hal Smith embodied the philosophy, mission and purpose of the organization. When Feats was tasked with bidding farewell to Smith before an audience of 800 CEOs, board members and select contributors, we knew the impact of his accomplishments could tell a resonant story that would inspire the audience as much as it would pay homage to the night’s honoree.

Heartwarming, sincere, reverent — yes.  Plus poignant, meaningful and emotionally charged.  Religious leaders, friends and board members told stories of Smith’s commitment and impact.  They talked about Smith’s efforts to feed the hungry and create housing for the homeless and how he led the drive to turn a decimated shopping center into a community-changing stimulus program.   And they shared the inspiration they gained from Hal’s steadfast focus on teaching those in need to learn “to fish for themselves.”  Through their words and video and communications throughout the evening, we wove in Hal’s own philosophy and dedication, as he lived by a credo to “cherishing the divine within.”

The most moving moment of the evening was when a 90 year-old volunteer for Our Daily Bread presented Mr. Smith with a plate the Pope had eaten from as he sat, side-by-side, with other diners on a long-ago visit to Baltimore.  A cherished momento, clearly, it was a gift fitting the impact of the guest of honor.

Impact

The right emotional chord was hit as attendees walked away both grateful for Hal’s service and inspired to  cherish their own potential in driving the future of Catholic Charities.  “The scale of emotions are the best test of entertainment impact — and I think the range of emotions was tested last night,” said Board Chair Clinton Daily, who thanked Feats for the “wow.”

More at http://www.catholicreview.org/subpages/storyarchnew.aspx?action=7053.