August 21, 2008                                                                                                             

$1,000,000 National Campaign to Aid Not-For-Profits During Economic Crisis

EGC Media & Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi Announce National Media Initiative Called CreateAthon

Mineola, N.Y. - Since September 11, 2001, not-for-profit organizations around the world have felt the sting of declining donations and contributions. But since the dramatic downturn of the U.S. economy, these organizations are feeling the sting of lost revenue more than ever before. A local effort spearheaded by Ernie Canadeo, CEO of EGC Media, Nassau County Executive Tom Suozzi and other business leaders are looking to change that.

"Everybody has been hit in these tough times, but not-for-profits are really feeling the pinch," said Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. "These are the organizations that do humanitarian work. We can't let them falter."

With the price of fuel soaring, Wall Street's volatile ups and downs and less people volunteering their time, not-for-profits are struggling to meet the needs of their clients. As the average homeowner fights to make ends meet and the headlines telling tales of economic woes are sweeping the nation, not-for-profits need people to hear their plea for help.

So Ernie Canadeo, CEO of EGC Media, is announcing a million dollar print, internet and broadcast media campaign.

"Times are tough in the media world, too, but we have to help these groups succeed," said    Canadeo. "They make real miracles happen everyday, and with the help of some of these powerful media outlets, their stories will be told."

Canadeo is calling the initiative CreateAthon, and he is hoping it will alleviate the stress put on these groups.

CreateAthon will also call upon some of the best talent in the creative world to design the campaign. "The advertising industry has come up with some memorable campaigns and made products become household names," said Canadeo. "There is no reason we cannot put that power to good use and help these organizations through these hard times."

Groups like Big Brother Big Sister of Long Island, Autism United, Rain Forest Alliance, Dress for Success and Art Start and others will benefit from the initiative, said Canadeo.

"Let's not forget these groups," said Suozzi. "They never turn their back on us."

Matt Crosson, President of the Long Island Association, will look to the business community to reignite a long-term dedication to groups whose sole purpose is to help those in need.

"No matter how tough it is in any business, people still need assistance," said Crosson. "Businesses have always been philanthropic, but as the bottom line has shrunk recently the purse strings get tighter. The bottom line is, no matter how big or small profit margins are, these groups never stop providing crucial services to millions of people in this country. That is the case in a bull or bear market."

Canadeo believes that the campaign could make waves, but it is the long term that will tell the most important story.

"The goal here is to get people to stand up and pay attention, and then keep them there," said Canadeo. "The truth is, it is easy to forget to donate or volunteer when people are too consumed with paying taxes and high oil bills. But if you need one of these groups, they will be there, no matter the financial climate. And we need to help them stay that way," said Canadeo.