In 1999 our MCAI chapter banded together to create a pro bono video called My Turn Now. This video promoted special needs adoption and not only found it’s way to libraries across the nation, but facilitated reducing the return rate of special needs children. As a result, the thought of producing a pro bono show every few years was a way of giving back to the community. Last year, the idea of a pro bono PSA was introduced and, guided by former MCAI president Jim Baker, MCAI volunteers fleshed out which organization would be the recipient of our talent. Though our industry went through some very trying times, post 9/11, the enthusiasm, dedication and sheer numbers of volunteers willing to donate their time and equipment to the project, was a tribute to our organization, our people and our industry.

“You will never ‘find’ time for anything; if you want time, you must make it,” - Charles Buxton.

Nowhere was that adage more evident than in the creation of theses :15 and :30 second PSAs created in service of a national non-profit web site called VolunteerMatch.org. The odyssey of the spots’ beginnings in 2002 carried all the way over until 2004 by the time the concept found its way to tape. Because the nature of a pro- bono project is, well, pro bono, folks jumped in and out depending on outside commitments. Consequently the project actually spanned three administrations beginning under Don Reggio’s moved forward under Jim Baker’s tenure and ending during Kevin Garduilo’s.

VolunteerMatch.org generates about 1500 volunteer referrals per day helping Georgians help themselves. By simply keying in a zip code, thousands of volunteer opportunities around the state pop up. They range from painting benches at hospitals to feeding the homeless, to rocking babies born to addicts, to teaching English as a second language. Since 1998, the site has generated more than 1,200,000 volunteer referrals on behalf of 25,000 non-profits.

When they found out that MCA-I selected their organization to be the recipient of a pro-bono commercial, they were elated. Even with the passage of more than a year, the core creative staff remained focused and dedicated. In honor of them, I’d like to salute the team:

Executive Producer: Jim Baker
Producers: Susan Solomon, Don Reggio, Tom Young
Scriptwriters: Susan Solomon, Don Reggio, Tom Young
Director & Director of Photography: Tom Young
Lighting Director: John Hallden
Grip: Dan Maloney
Make Up: Melissa Sandefur
Editor: Justin Lee
High Definition Conform: Curtis Elder, Crawford Avid DS
Animation: Matt Osbourne
Researchers: Donata Renfrow, Steve Panayioto
Casting: Rebecca Shrager, The People Store
Actors: Daisy Pareja, Roxzane Mims, Sabah, Charles Lloyd, Jesse Garcia, Bob Harter
High Def Camera: Sony, Glen Vargas
Studio & Production Equipment: Terry Cerisoles, Turner Studios
Production Assistance: VTA
High Def Tape Stock: Fuji
PA Coordinator: Regina Osimie
PAs: Michelle Riley, Sequiree George, Charyce Shell, Chris McDaniel

As a post script, the VP of VolunteerMatch was recently in town and met with Jim Baker and Don Reggio. His comments about the show were, ”In 15 seconds you captured our message better than we ever have. Outstanding.”

Congratulations and thanks for making time to make a change.