Huntington, NY – Every year, the Long Island Advertising Club, Inc. (LIAC) brings together the very best work from the Long Island marketing and communications community. With nearly a 1,000 entries from scores of agencies, the competition is strong, but it's a night everyone never forgets. It's been said that the event is very much like the Long Island Oscars, except the focus is the best in marketing and advertising. The event is well supported by many known companies: Newsday Media Group, YourLI.com, NY Times, the Long Island Business News and Radio Group, and many more media supporters.

In 2009, Skylar Design entered into the competition once again for the second year in a row. This time, however, the category was Best in Non-Profit 501 (C) (3) Not for Profit and Public Service. The website that Skylar submitted was The First Response Team of America, an organization dedicated to responding to areas that have been hit hard by natural disasters. Their team is deployed immediately after a disaster hits a community; and when possible, be onsite just before a disaster strikes a town or community. In short, their goal is to be available during those immediate critical hours and provide “roadways” into areas that are impossible for emergency crews to gain access to. Although they have primarily focused their attention within the continental USA, they have already made their presence known in Haiti in 2010.

In 2008, The First Response Team of America (specifically President and Founder Tad Agoglia) made the Top Ten list of CNN Heroes out of a list of almost 4,000 candidates. It’s been an honor to serve this organization. I’m proud of the work they’ve done and the countless lives they’ve helped rescue and serve.

I’m pleased to share that at the 36th Annual BOLI Awards ceremony, the submission of The First Response Team of American was awarded Silver status. Personally, I’m just thrilled to even make finalists, let alone a Silver placement. Being that this is only my second year in this competition and there are many large firms who have so much creative talent, I’m touched that my work is ever recognized at this level. I congratulate all the other candidates for their outstanding work. Their creative talent pushes me to create even better pieces in the future.