The campaign will engage retired CCOs as well as faculty of colleges and universities nationwide to make a financial contribution to the Foundation this year

The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) is launching a fundraising effort led by Charlotte Otto, retired P&G Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and current Senior Corporate Strategist at Weber Shandwick, and Steve Johnson, retired CCO of Union Bank and current Principal of Johnson Communications.  They will co-chair a new initiative to engage retired CCOs and college faculty as donors to TLF.

“I’m pleased to help reach out to our retired CCO colleagues, distinguished faculty and others to get them in this game,” said Otto.  “Nothing less than the vibrant future of our profession is at stake.  We desperately need far more diverse future leaders to effectively serve our companies and clients.  TLF is helping identify and educate the best and brightest diverse talent.”

The campaign will commence on October 1, 2014 and end December 31, 2014. The goal is to raise between $25,000 – $50,000. Johnson and Otto will reach out to the community of retired CCOs and college faculty for on-going financial support, one-time donations, and planned gifts or bequests for TLF. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, the largest source of charitable giving came from individuals totaling $241.32 billion, in 2013.

“The need is great,” said Johnson. “By building partnerships with seasoned and influential professionals in business, education and other sectors of our society, we can ensure that the work of TLF, a driving force for talent and diversity in communications and marketing, will continue. The support of our retired colleagues is critical to sustaining this effort.”

Of the total number of students who were awarded TLF’s scholarships, 72 percent have stayed within the fields of advertising, marketing or public relations. TLF alumni have secured successful employment with the following Fortune 500 and advertising and public relations agencies such as American Express, IBM, P&G, Sabre, Toys R Us, Burson-Marsteller, Golin, Hacker Agency, Waggener Edstrom Communications and Weber Shandwick, just to name a few.

“The LAGRANT Foundation has built a strong track record of helping to create a more diverse pipeline of communications and marketing talent,” noted Mr. Kim L. Hunter, chairman & CEO of TLF.  “We need to broaden our base of support to do more. A number of individuals contemplate making contributions prior to the end of the year to not-for-profits and causes they are passionate about so we’re getting started now. Given Charlotte and Steve’s reputation in the industry, I could not be happier that they are leading this effort.”

TLF is deeply thankful for Charlotte Otto and Steve Johnson for their support of TLF and for leading this campaign to broaden our base of supporters. To make a contribution to TLF, visit www.lagrantfoundation.org and click on the “Donate” button.

About The LAGRANT Foundation

Since its inception in 1998, The LAGRANT Foundation (TLF) has provided $1.71 million and 261 scholarships to continue its mission to increase the number of ethnic minorities in the fields of advertising, marketing and public relations. With the generous support of its major donors and supporters, TLF provides students with career & professional development workshops, scholarships, internships and mentors to African American/Black, Alaska Native/Native American, Asian American/Pacific Islander and Hispanic/Latino undergraduate and graduate students.

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