The Background
The Giving Gig is an annual fundraiser hosted by the Community Health Network Foundation. All money raised goes towards the Oncology Patient Assistance Fund, which helps support MD Anderson Cancer Center patients’ access to food, medicine, transportation, and more.
Beginning in 2025, MKR designed and executed a full suite of materials for Giving Gig, including a new logo and visual identity, on-site signage, promotional ads, photography, video, social media content, and a music video.
2025 Roles and Responsibilities
Associate Producer
Concepting
As part of MKR’s creative team, I had the joy of helping to concept potential themes for this event, and I was positively overjoyed when the client moved forward with my concept. It was so fun and so special to see that idea come to life in such a meaningful way.
Giving Gig was sheduled for June 21, the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. Inspired by the event date and headlining musical artist Sheryl Crow, I saw this fundraiser as a wonderful opportunity to lean into two of her biggest hits — “Soak Up the Sun” and “All I wanna Do.” Community Health Network differentiates this event from typical fundraisers by branding it as a “fun-raiser.” This moniker tied in nicely with Sheryl Crow’s lighthearted lyrics and sound; additionally, it set the perfect tone for kicking off summertime and all the joy that comes with it: warm weather; longer, lighter days; bright, citrusy colors; the beach + pool; palm trees; concerts + upbeat music; time with family + friends. Giving Gig grants friends of Community Health Network the opportunity to soak up the fun, the support, and the impact of such a special event. It’s also an opportunity for donors to be sources of warmth, light, and hope for all those who benefit from the Oncology Patient Assistance Fund.
After these initial brainstorming meetings, MKR’s talented team of creative directors and designers ran with the concept, and it evolved into a theme we called, “Ready to Shine,” defined by bright + vibrant colors, tropical motifs, and the sunshiney faces of the patients being honored at the event.
Deliverables
As Associate Producer, I worked alongside our client partners, MKR’s Vice President of Production, and the lovely team at Sport Graphics to coordinate the design and installation of all event signage. This signage included banners, posters, programs, t-shirts, and more.
Social Media Management
Throughout the fundraiser, I managed all Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram in-feed posts and stories for our Community Health Network clients. This process involved capturing photos and videos of the guests, hero patients, speakers, volunteers, live auction, and musical performances to pair with pre-drafted copy. I also monitored audience engagement throughout the evening, responded to comments, and amplified organic posts from the donors and organizers present at the event. It was an honor to capture these key moments and to be trusted with the social media keys, especially considering it was my first Giving Gig experience.