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32 | I NSIGH T • F e b r u a r y 2 0 15 w w w . i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m I N S I G H T O N NONPROFITS & CHARITABLE GIVING B y N i k k i K a l l i o T he New North region is filled with generous companies dedicated to giving back to the community, evident in financial giving, sponsorships and fundraisers. Now, more companies are also giving the gi of time. Even though company leaders know they're providing an important service for area organizations, they believe they're getting the most out of it. Coalesce Marketing & Design in Appleton, for example, held a 24-hour marathon creative session called "2Gether4Good" (the 2 and 4 symbolizing the 24 hours of nonstop work) in May to aid three area nonprofit organizations with branding and marketing materials. e organization received 24 applicants and ultimately chose Spierings Cancer Foundation and its annual Rock Cancer event, which received a total rebranding effort; COTS, a transitional housing Company Photography, Crimson Creative, N.E.W. Printing and the Community Foundation and had lots of ancillary support. "We had so many visitors come throughout the day and night," Coalesce Owner and Creative Director Lisa Piikkila says, noting that a shelving unit in one of their offices ended up completely stocked with food. "People were so excited about doing that and just wanted to come in." e Coalesce team also consumed a lot of energy drinks, she says. On the Friday morning of the event, Coalesce held a rollout for members of all three organizations to see the work that had been created. "How touching it was to see their reactions — it was almost A time to share Area companies donate volunteer hours to benefit nonprofits program that received an annual report; and the Boys & Girls Brigade, which received folder and T-shirt designs. To help pull off the effort, Coalesce pulled in partners including BConnected, Charitibli, Jackson & "The true magic, selfishly, is we have associates at all different levels at all different jobs who otherwise don't work together, working hand-in-hand on the project and getting to know each other. As much as I'd love to say it's great and philanthropic, it really helps our relationships as an office." – D a n P i c h l e r, p a r t n e r i n c h a rg e, Wi p f l i G re e n B ay o f f i ce The team at Coalesce Marketing & Design in Appleton, led by Lisa Piikkila, right, spent 24 hours straight designing materials for three area nonprofits, culminating in a presentation of what they created. Here, the Coalesce team is shown after 23 hours of work. C O U R T E S Y O F C O A L E S C E M A R K E T I N G & D E S I G N