CHICAGO, IL - Anthem, a global creative agency that actively connects brands with consumers by amplifying desirability from package design to brand campaign to drive brand performance, announced that its Chicago office teamed up with the Kellogg’s® Food Away From Home (FAFH) group, together with United Way and Youth Crossroads, to motivate students to work hard and develop their talents.

The United Way is part of a network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. Through its community-impact plan, LIVE UNITED 2020, United Way brings resources in education, income and health to local communities needing it most. To accomplish this, United Way is focused on the three fundamental building blocks that allow individuals and families to move beyond poverty to a better quality of life: a good education, financial stability, and access to quality health care. 

Kellogg’s FAFH and their brand development partner Anthem, together with United Way and Youth Crossroads, created the opportunity to give back to the community by participating in “After School Presentations to Youths.” This program brought these partners to two middle schools to talk about their professional roles and experiences to inform, inspire, and excite young people about career possibilities they may have never thought of before.

“By volunteering through United Way, Anthem partnered with Kellogg’s FAFH to visit students in after-school programs at Freedom Middle School and Heritage Middle School in Berwyn, IL,” said Michael Leeds, senior vice president of client engagement, Americas, at SGK. “Our goal for the day was to get students excited about their futures and to share the opportunities that await them.”

“Our mission at Kellogg’s is to help families be their best – we’re always looking to provide new ways to make a positive impact,” said Susan Wasco, director of marketing, Kellogg’s Food Away From Home. “As part of our presentation, the Kellogg’s FAFH and Anthem teams shared our first jobs, which really resonated with the young people in the room. The students seemed to really understand the concept that you could start anywhere and use those skills and experiences to land the jobs of your dreams.”

“The enthusiasm and level of engagement during the visit by the Kellogg’s and Anthem teams was inspiring,” commented David Cassel, chief professional officer, United Way of DuPage/West Cook. “This effort was meaningful to the young people in the program – it showed them that the community is rooting for them and believes in their futures.”

“Every child needs a champion,” said Mardie Bays, account director at Anthem. “Our teams came together to positively impact the lives of others by inspiring these young and creative minds to reach for the stars – little moments can create big memories and be a key influence in building bright futures.”

Leeds concluded: “We’re thankful to Freedom Middle School, Heritage Middle School and Youth Crossroad for giving us the opportunity to share our stories with their students. And without a doubt, this event wouldn’t have been a success without the enthusiasm of our friends at Kellogg’s and United Way. We are proud to be giving back together and inspired by the spirit, potential and dreams these students hold today and for tomorrow.”