The Gifford Youth Achievement Center (GYAC) received statewide recognition during the Florida Public Relations Association’s (FPRA) Golden Image and President’s Awards Virtual Gala. An Award of Distinction and Judges’ Award were presented to the non-profit’s Marketing Coordinator, Stephanie Nelson, for GYAC’s Virtual Happy 1/2 Hour in celebration of #GivingTuesdayNow. Awards of Distinction are presented to entries that meet the standards of excellence set by a panel of judges. Judges’ Awards are presented by judges for an outstanding entry that achieves maximum results while using a minimum amount of money.
“We are proud of Stephanie’s accomplishments and are thrilled that GYAC’s first virtual event far exceeded our expectations,” remarked GYAC Executive Director, Angelia Perry. “Stephanie dared us to be different and together we delivered!”
“GivingTuesdayNow was launched by GivingTuesday as an emergency response to unprecedented needs caused by COVID-19, and the GYAC community responded with enthusiasm,” stated Peggy Gibbs, GYAC’s Director of Philanthropy.
The Virtual Happy ½ Hour, highlighting the Center’s students, teachers and staff, brought awareness to GYAC’s efforts to overcome challenges presented by COVID-19 and raised over $8000 for its programs. The digital event was hosted on Facebook Live and received over 8,000 views.
To qualify for judging, a Golden Image entry must incorporate sound public relations research and planning. Entries must also meet the highest standard of production, execution and evaluation of results and budget.
The awards competition includes four divisions of categories: Public Relations Programs, Printed Tools of Public Relations, Digital Tools of Public Relations and Student Projects in Public Relations. GYAC’s Virtual Happy 1//2 Hour was recognized for online audience engagement in the Digital Tools of Public Relations division.
The Golden Image Awards competition is conducted annually by the Florida Public Relations Association to recognize outstanding public relations programs in Florida and to encourage and promote the development of public relations in our state. The awards have become a standard of excellence in the state of Florida. Winners demonstrate the very best examples of innovation, planning and design.
For more information on GYAC’s programs, visit www.gyac.net.