The deadline for CreateAthon 2009 applications is July 15, 2009. Organizations selected by cds creative, inc. to receive the services of CreateAthon 2009 will be announced on July 30th . Applications are available at www.cdscreative.com

CreateAThon is a 24-hour blitz during which cds creative, inc., the only agency in Pennsylvania to participate in this event, provides marketing and creative services to non-profit organizations in Luzerne, Lackawanna, Lehigh, Monroe and Wyoming counties on a pro-bono basis (other counties can be considered on a special needs basis.) Last year, cds creative’s CreateAThon event provided marketing services to six non-profit organizations producing a total of 13 projects. The market value of the work produced during the event was estimated at $35, 000.

CreateAThon is the brainchild of RIGGS, Inc., an advertising, marketing and communications firm in Columbia, South Carolina. In an effort to give non-profit organizations the professional, creative marketing materials that would otherwise be financially unfeasible, RIGGS formed the first CreateAThon in 1998.

“The work we do through CreateAthon is more important than ever this year,” notes Catherine Shafer, cds creative, inc. president.  “Nonprofits have been affected dramatically by the economy, which has had a profound impact on their ability to provide direct services.  It’s our hope through CreateAthon to help offset some of this economic pressure for nonprofits by donating marketing services.”

Established in 1984, cds creative, inc. is a brand development and integration organization that opens doors for clients. We work with clients that seek creative thinking, effective means to communicate messages and a common sense approach to strategy.

A week or two ago, I invited a group of friends to attend what I hope will be the first of a series of dining outings at mid-scale dining venues throughout the region.  So last night, we had a wonderful dinner at Rustic Kitchen at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs.  We all work very hard and I figured that the occasional splurging for a high-quality, relaxed meal in a classy atmosphere was something we deserved.

Rustic Kitchen is a beautifully decorated balance between rustic and modern.  There is also a very modern area where local chef Kate Gibriele hosts, “In the Kitchen” – a Food Network style cooking show.  The “show” is available for guests to attend as a group of up to 30-ish people at a cost of $55 per person.   That’s definitely something on our list of things to try out.

The dinner was delicious and the service was excellent, howsoever slow (good food must take time?).  Our server and the manager each were very apologetic for the delay, which I didn’t really mind.  The week was so fast-paced, the slow down was nice.

** More information at the Dawe Dinner Club is here. http://www.johndawe.com/dinner-club

In the Picture:
Robyn Craig, John Dawe, Shannon Mullery, Michelle Pushefski, Brian Emershaw
also not pictured (due to the fact he’s taking the photo) Tyler Guerrero

or john.dawe@solidcactus.com if you’re not on Yahoo! IM!

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1191953866

Congrats guys… and Cindy and I are happy to be the God Parents… even though Satan Parents is prob. the better term.  >:-)

P.S. Sarno & Son’s on Main Street & Union Street in Wilkes-Barre has doggie tuxedos!