SICOLAMARTIN TEAMS UP WITH AUSTIN CHILDREN'S SHELTER TO BOOST MARKETING, BRANDING EFFORTS
Agency Supporting Upcoming Capital Campaign and New Gala Fundraiser

AUSTIN, TX - OCTOBER 11, 2006 – Austin-based advertising and marketing agency, SicolaMartin, has embarked on a new marketing partnership to support two major initiatives of the Austin Children's Shelter. For more than 20 years, the Austin Children's Shelter has provided a temporary safe haven for children in crisis from birth to 17 years of age. The Shelter's mission is to reduce the emotional trauma suffered by child victims of abuse, violence and neglect, in a safe and loving place.

The two key initiatives for which SicolaMartin is providing pro-bono support are the Shelter's multi-million dollar capital campaign to build urgently needed new facilities, and the creation and marketing of a new annual fundraiser taking place this November.

"This is a crucial time for the Shelter, with a tremendous increase in need for services and space. Sadly, we have to turn far more children than we're able to serve, and with the state's population booming, these needs continue to grow at an alarming rate," states Gena VanOsselaer, executive director of the Austin Children's Shelter. "Between our exciting expansion plans and our inaugural annual fundraiser we're hosting this fall, it's absolutely vital for us to find effective ways to enlist the support of the community to help us make a difference in the lives of the most vulnerable children in Central Texas. SicolaMartin has become an invaluable partner, providing solid insights and creative work that will help us communicate our mission and the value of partnership most effectively to the community," she continued.

SicolaMartin is developing a brand strategy for the upcoming capital campaign. Thus far, the agency has created a colorful new brochure that outlines the Shelter's expansion plans, along with a call for community support.

The second key project is the development of a new annual fundraising event. This year the Shelter is hosting "A Season of Change" on November 19, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Austin. "We felt this event title fit nicely with the trends in the child welfare system, as well as alluding to the subtle and not-so-subtle changes underway at the Shelter," said Diane McKinnon, VP of creative services at SicolaMartin. The agency is producing all related collateral such as sponsor kits and invitations as well as helping with event planning.

"When we approached Austin Children's Shelter to offer our support, it was clearly a matter of great timing. But I think it's our staff that gets the most out of relationships like these, and I'm always incredibly proud of the hard work and dedication that pours into our non-profit partnerships," said Tom Sicola, president and CEO of SicolaMartin.

SicolaMartin will work on additional marketing projects for the Shelter in the months ahead.

ABOUT SICOLAMARTIN
Austin, Texas-based SicolaMartin is an advertising and marketing agency specializing in targeted and integrated campaigns that leverage technology and the digital convergence of media and marketing. For more than 20 years, the agency's creative excellence and in-depth marketing experience have delivered effective campaigns for consumer and technology industry leaders like AMD, Blu-ray Disc, Epson, Hewlett Packard, Sybase, and the American Cancer Society. In 2006, the Texas Association of Business and Society for Human Resource Management named SicolaMartin one of the 50 Best Companies to Work for in Texas (#8). The agency is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Young & Rubicam Brands with a satellite office in San Francisco.

About Austin Children's Shelter
The Austin Children's Shelter has provided emergency shelter, high quality care and hope for the future to the abandoned, abused and neglected children of our community since 1984. The Shelter provides a variety of services and programs to children from birth to 17 years old in need of emergency placement. Each child is assessed to ensure they receive the services they need, including: medical and dental care, group and individual therapy, academic support, formal testing and evaluation. Comprehensive assessments assist the courts and Child Protective Services staff in selecting appropriate permanent care. Through these programs, ACS lays a foundation of hope for the children. For more information, visit their website at www.austinchildrenshelter.org or call (512) 499-0090.

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