It’s always great to see people I know from my Chicago family get recognized for the good things they do. Great if it’s in advertising or film. Even better, if it’s something for the community.
The last few issues of The Reel have covered what many ad agencies and post production companies are doing for not just the Chicago community, but globally as well. We have shared stories about national peace organization Saturday Morning, comprised of African American community leaders, RAW last week was for the wonderful work Droga5 is doing for the YMCA, Schafer Condon Carter collecting for hurricane victims.
And now we have my friend Ella Britton Gibson, who is a consultant at Carol H. Williams Advertising. I first met Ella when she was running The Toyota account at Burrell. We then shared a brief stint in Hell at Walton Isaacson and have both supported each other through the years.
Tomorrow night, Ella will be honored for the networking support she brings to an organization devoted to promoting the health, welfare and success of urban girls called, “Polished Pebbles.” The event has been aptly dubbed, “Chicago Girls Takeover.”
Founded in 2009, by Kelly Fair, Polished Pebbles Girls Mentoring Program, empowers brown girls, ages 7-17 to help them grow into confident women and become effective communicators at home, school, their neighborhoods and future workplace. Fair says the programs teach girls how to substitute aggressive form of communication and problem-solving with new strategies.
“Girls around the country are struggling. We want to celebrate all girls, South side, West Side, North West Indiana. There’s a place for everyone in our community to get involved and support girls and especially the International Day of the Girl,” she says.
Enter Britton Gibson
In conjunction with the upcoming “International Day of the Girl,” the organization will host its annual gala fundraiser this Saturday night, October 7, at the Renaissance Bronzeville where Britton Gibson will be honored along with other men and women who have exemplified leadership and support when it comes to Girl Power. They include Chris Curse, International Hair Stylist, Chris Curse and Company, Karen Freeman-Wilson, Mayor, Gary, Indiana, Stephanie Helms Pickett, Director of the Women’s Center at Duke University, Eddie Melton, State Senator, Indiana, Monique Rodriguez CEO, Mielle Organics.
Other attendees include Dawn Millhouse and Shayne Evans who will serve as the event co-chairs, Honorary Chair Deborah Brown Farmer, Founder & President of Brown Farmer Media Group, V-103 personality Ramonski Luv, Carl West of MG Media CEO; and Derrick Young, CBS 2 Chicago traffic reporter.
According to Fair, Ella is being honored because, “Ella really is helping us on an organizational capacity level. She’s been able to find the time and utilize her skill set which is her network. She has used her advertising background to help with strategy and the mentors. She is committed.”
An excited Britton Gibson had this to say about the event, “Polished Pebbles is one of the most innovative and effective mentorship programs for girls with socio-economic challenges. Each girl discovers their personal greatness. The Pebbles are taught to believe that they can achieve amazing things now and in the future…and that is exactly what they do. I am honored and excited to be recognized by this organization, which is making life-elevating impact on girls, every day.”
Funds raised through this event will help girls in urban communities to become leaders and future change makers. This includes girls in Chicago, Indiana, Texas, and a college edition at Duke University. Tickets to the fundraiser are still available and can be purchased here.
Congrats, Ella.
Contact Colin Costello at colin@reelchicago.com or follow him on Twitter @colincostello.com.
