FEATURED PROJECT

Merry Go Round

Columbus' Longest-Running Annual Fundraiser

Overview

Merry Go Round is the major annual fundraising event for a nonprofit supporting young children with developmental delays – and the longest-running fundraiser of its kind in Columbus. Over four years, I directed marketing efforts, collaborating closely with the organization’s volunteer group to design a fresh, engaging experience every year that celebrated the nonprofit’s mission. Each year’s Merry Go Round event combined black-tie-optional elegance with heartfelt storytelling, dynamic visuals, and a fun, welcoming atmosphere.

Logo design

The Challenge

The event needed to strike a delicate balance: formal enough to honor major donors and sustain long-term support, yet lively, personal, and mission-centered to celebrate the families and children the nonprofit served. Each year required a distinctive theme and creative approach to keep the experience fresh, engaging, and true to the organization’s evolving story.

The Strategy

I provided end-to-end creative leadership and collaboration, including:

Collaborative visual identity creation each year with new logos, color palettes, and event branding
Website and ticketing site design
Comprehensive promotion across digital, print, and social media
Featured family video production, overseeing filming and story crafting with studio
Program speechwriting and speaker coaching
Design of A/V presentation and event signage
Art direction and vendor management for event photography and social media
Post-event follow-up featuring the debut of the Center’s annual featured family story video

The Impact

$1.2+ million raised across four years
Increased visibility for the nonprofit’s mission through earned media and social coverage
Enhanced event brand consistency and guest experience through polished, mission-driven storytelling

Why It Worked

Merry Go Round thrived because of a strong creative vision, collaboration, and the ability to weave mission-driven storytelling into every detail. By combining strategic brand thinking with dynamic event execution, I helped create an experience that not only celebrated the organization’s work but enhanced its capacity to deliver it.

Invitation

Event materials

Sponsorship packet