(ROANOKE - Sept 11, 2012) ­ Radford University advertising and graphic design students joined the American Advertising Federation Roanoke chapter this weekend for a 24-hour marketing and public service campaign known as CreateAthon. The event began Saturday at 10 a.m. at Virginia Western Community College, where about 40 volunteers offered their creative services to benefit nonprofits. Projects included radio spots, video spots, brochures, direct mail pieces, posters, web design, mobile site design and social media strategy and execution. Eight Radford students joined in the work-around-the-clock creative blitz on to help community organizations that had applied for help solving their marketing communication needs.

The American Advertising Federation, Roanoke Chapter, is a professional organization devoted entirely to the business of advertising. Professionals include those who work in the areas of graphic design, marketing, TV and radio, photography, printing, web design and more. Students were encouraged to participate by Leigh Anne Kelley, who teache media studies classes for the School of Communication and is an AAF member. "It's a great way for students to get an overview of the industry in a compressed time frame," she said. They were able to attend recording session and photo shoots, write copy and help with brainstorming and design. Their work was included in a presentation to clients at 9 a.m. Sunday.

"We got a chance to see the entire creative process step by step and work with professionals who do for a living what we're studying in class," said Hunter Thompson, an advertising major who is also president of the Radford Ad Club. "We got to contribute to a creative campaign that will impact nonprofits and interact with real people in the community."