BBFM, Inc. Postpones Client Party and Donates Funds to Red Cross.

Business Editors

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 14, 2001

Seattle marketing and advertising agency BBFM, Inc. has postponed their Client Appreciation Party scheduled for September 20, after company executives and employees decided to contribute $5,000 budgeted for the event to American Red Cross disaster relief.

BBFM had planned the event to celebrate their recent re-branding and to thank clients, vendors, and friends for their support. The full-service creative firm has experienced continued growth during six years in business, expanding 50% in the last year alone.

While the company was looking forward to sharing their successes with business associates, co-workers recognized the importance of sharing in a deeper way. Like so many other Americans, they wanted to help, and the earmarked event funds offered an immediate and concrete opportunity to contribute to disaster aid. In a letter to invitees, The BBFM Team notified participants of the postponement and thanked them for their understanding, saying, "We felt it was appropriate at this time to focus our energies on family, friends, and those in the world who need our support. In lieu of the party, BBFM will be donating $5,000 to the American Red Cross to help with the most immediate needs of rescue and care for victims in New York, Washington D.C., and Pennsylvania."

The spirit of giving has been an integral part of BBFM Inc. philosophy since its inception. Philanthropic efforts have grown along with the firm, with a 400 percent increase in corporate donations since 1998. BBFM shares its good fortune with the community at large through personal participation, direct giving, employee match contributions (dollar for dollar), and pro bono creative services to a variety of Northwest non-profits. Recipients of BBFM time and resources reflect the diverse needs of the community and include Fred Hutchinson Ride for the Cure, FareStart, Northwest Adoption Exchange, Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence/From the Heart Foundation, Virginia Mason Medical Clinic Dreambuilder's Ball, NW Medical Team's City of Hope and Light, and the Pride Foundation. The firm's ongoing commitment to charitable giving was recently recognized with company founder Ray Araujo's nomination for the 2001 Northwest Philanthropy Awards.

Founder Araujo attributes continued BBFM growth to a business philosophy grounded in strong client partnerships and strategic creative solutions for building their businesses. He asserts that, "We are on the move and see a continued growth pattern for BBFM in the coming years. This is because we develop relationships, not just campaigns. We understand our clients' business. We take brand identity and strategy very seriously, developing campaigns that not only fit the moment, but the client as well."

BBFM Inc. is an award-winning marketing and advertising agency focused on integrated marketing communications and brand building. BBFM creative is responsible for recent marketing events as diverse as the wacky "alien invasion" of the Space Needle for client Seattle Center and comprehensive co-branded Business Solutions Centers for clients Office Depot and Microsoft bCentral. BBFM offers integrated services including brand and marketing strategy, media planning/buying, advertising campaign development, product launch, event/tradeshow, POP campaigns, and Web site design and development.

For more information, contact Gloria Wildeman, Director of Client Services, 206/441-6657 and [e-mail]. Or visit the Web site: www.bbfmcreative.com.