Applications Now Available for Sixth Annual Maryland CreateAThon®

Five Non-Profits Will Be Awarded FREE Communications Projects

CHESTER, Md., June 17 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Budget planning time has always been a stressful time for the nation's non-profits, but the recession has added to that burden. Many organizations are forced to budget for lower income due to anticipated decreases in donations and grants while the demands for their services have increased. Maryland non-profits can alleviate some of their budget woes by applying for an annual pro bono program, which awards free communications and marketing services.

Called CreateAThon^® , the free program is available regionally through Purple Cat, a Kent Island public relations firm, and Octo Design Group. The program is open to all 501(c) 3 non-profits from Baltimore through the Mid-Shore. Previously unselected applicants are encouraged to re-apply.

Applications are available by contacting (410) 604-2319, [email protected] or can be downloaded at www.purplecatpr.com. The deadline is July 12.

How CreateAThon^® works

Public relations or graphic design agencies sign up as local affiliates and choose a specific market. They then solicit applications from 501(c) 3 organizations and select up to five projects (one per non-profit). These projects are then completed free of charge. During the Maryland program the work takes place through the summer with final client presentations scheduled during national CreateAThon® Week, September 13 to 17, 2010. As a unique component of the Maryland program a three-hour pro bono consultation is offered to all agencies not selected.

The 2009 Maryland non-profits selected were:

• American Red Cross of the Delmarva Peninsula, Elkton, Md.
• Anne Arundel County Public Library Foundation, Annapolis, Md.
• Caroline Nursing & Rehab Center, Denton, Md.
• Children's Theatre of Annapolis, Md.
• Mid-Shore Pro Bono, Easton, Md.

Through the Maryland program 25 Maryland non-profits and one New Orleans non-profits have been assisted with projects valued at $80,847. Purple Cat and CreateAThon® partner firm Octo Design Group are two of the 73 agencies that have joined the CreateAThon® network by presenting programs in their regions. Since 2002 the national CreateAThon® effort has benefited more than 1,100 non-profit organizations with 2,500 projects valued at more than $11 million.

To download an application visit www.purplecatpr.com. For information contact Carol D'Agostino at (410) 604-2319 or [email protected]. Applications must be returned no later than Monday, July 12, for consideration.

SOURCE Purple Cat, Chester, Md.