A Wave of Hope

OBJECTIVE: In the wake of the worst natural disaster in United States history, Hurricane Katrina decimated the Gulf Coast, including seven historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs) supported by the United Negro College Fund (UNCF).

OVERVIEW: The UNCF, led by Dr. Michael Lomax, called upon its network to help rebuild the stalwart for higher education among underrepresented communities. As part of Burson-Marsteller, Media Director and Writer Shawn Paul Wood helped spark national change among UNCF’s network—Ad Council, Young & Rubicam, and the Bush-Clinton Katrina Fund. The teams united under the capital development banner “Wave of Hope.”

OUTPUT: The Wave of Hope campaign garnered $3.5 million from private donors and alumni. Wood penned a public service announcement for President Bush (41) and President Clinton, which resulted in a $15 million grant.

Wood was also tasked with managing the publicity, backstage events, and Red Carpet ceremony for the tributes dedicated to Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, and Smokey Robinson during “An Evening of Stars” for three consecutive years.