-September is Suicide Prevention Month, and veterans are at a higher risk for suicide compared to the general population. That’s why the Ad Council and the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs have created the “Don’t Wait. Reach Out.” campaign, which encourages veterans to seek support before they reach a crisis point. Veterans are a diverse group, who may be reluctant to reach out for help for distinct reasons—and these videos are designed to address that. Two videos highlight women and older veterans. work was created by veteran-owned creative shop Gig Line Media (the production arm of We Are The Mighty) and features performances by real veterans. In addition to showing how veterans can lean on one another, the videos also highlight the resources available at VA.gov/REACH.
-Dentsu International is restructuring its leadership team as CEO Wendy Clark is set to leave the agency, which she has helmed since 2020.
-Anomaly LA has announced that Khara Wagner is stepping into a new role at the agency as the president and managing partner.
-For the launch of its “Be Your Own” campaign, centenarian athleticwear brand Champion proudly proclaims “Champion invented the hoodie.”
-Papa Murphy’s is bringing back its Triple Pepp Pizza, but what makes this time unique is that it was driven by a superfan, Evan Arnold, who was loud on social media about its original run in 2020. The folks at Papa Murphy’s and its creative agency, TMA, took notice and gave him a very public treat—his own billboard.
-In health care marketing, words like “inviting” and “empathetic” are probably not what come to mind, but a number of agencies and health care organizations are looking to change that.
-The Simpson Cup is the equivalent of the Ryder Cup for wounded servicemen. It pits 13 wounded veterans from the U.S. and Great Britain in a tournament held every year at some of the world’s most renowned venues, with proceeds benefiting the On Course Foundation. At this year’s Simpson Cup, the MR. MA fashion apparel maker is debuting the “One-Armed Hoodie”—an item made especially to demonstrate support and pride for injured golfers. Fifty “One-Armed Hoodies” will be made available to competitors and influencers, with hundreds more to be shipped around Veteran’s Day. Proceeds from sales of the hoodies will go to the Simpson Cup and to make custom apparel for other injured golfers. The One-Armed Hoodie was created by Episode Four, a boutique hybrid marketing agency whose idea it is to turn the hoodie into a symbolic expression of support (see photo). It can be purchased for $100 at this site.
