The Davey Awards recognize the big impact of smaller-scale creative agencies and celebrate some huge ideas that are executed successfully without the huge budget to match. This year, Devaney & Associates proudly accepted a Gold Davey Award in the Design/Print Collateral, Annual Report category for our work with the Carroll Hospital Foundation.
A Look Inside the Report
Carroll Hospital Foundation’s annual report is a cornerstone of donor communication. The non-profit community hospital relies on donor generosity to deliver award-winning patient care, and the Foundation needed support creating a 2024 report that would celebrate the hospital community’s legacy and appeal to a new, younger audience while maintaining its connection with long-time supporters.
Being a trusted partner of Carroll Hospital for decades, our team was up for the challenge. The goal was to craft a report that would inspire generosity across generations and set itself apart from anything Carroll Hospital had done before. The “Planting Positivity” annual report did just that.
The theme celebrates donors who have invested in the Carroll Hospital community and highlights their role in cultivating a brighter future for all. This concept was designed to convey a powerful message: that every act of generosity, no matter how small, plants seeds of positive change that will grow for generations to come.
How "Planting Positivity" Engaged Multiple Generations
The annual report led with a feature story on Carroll Hospital’s Pillar Group—a team of young professionals who advocate for the hospital’s evolution of care. This story set the tone, showcasing the hospital’s commitment to engaging the next generation of philanthropists. Additional spreads included:
- A heartfelt perspective from a seventh grader who benefited from LifeBridge Health’s free youth bereavement program
- Updates on Emergency Department improvements that enhance patient care
- Advancements in gastrointestinal (GI) technology that bring cutting-edge diagnostics closer to home
Success Beyond the Annual Report
The impact of “Planting Positivity” was evident in the enthusiastic response from donors and stakeholders. The publication strengthened relationships with existing donors while inspiring a new generation to support the hospital’s mission.
“The ‘Planting Positivity’ theme that Devaney & Associates developed exceeded our expectations in every way. They didn’t just understand our vision—they brought it to life with remarkable clarity and impact,” said Brenda Frazier, vice president of development. “Our supporters could see the tangible difference their contributions make, building the trust and confidence essential for sustained philanthropic partnership.”
Alexander Myers, a major donor and chair of the Carroll Hospital Foundation board of trustees, echoed this sentiment: “D&A hit the mark with our Planting Positivity report, capturing and amplifying the spirit of what we intended. Every element of the publication is first-class.”
The uplifting theme also inspired a broader initiative that included donor thank-you notes, seed cards for recipients to plant, gift tags, and even email signatures. This cohesive approach ensured that the message of growth, generosity, and community impact resonated across all touchpoints.
Inspire Action, Leave an Impact: Work with Our Strategic Marketing Team
At Devaney & Associates, we don’t just create marketing materials—we craft strategies that inspire action and leave a lasting impact. Our philosophy of marketing with brains, hustle, and heart is at the core of everything we do, and the “Planting Positivity” initiative is a perfect example of this approach. When you collaborate with us, your marketing continues to grow and thrive long after the final product is in your hands.