[13] Story Behind the Chihuahua Awards

Weeks ago, in our Creative Strategist class, we were prompted with a challenge to create a project relevant to the ad industry that could be displayed outside of the classroom. Something professional, something well planned and something that could make a difference. We let the idea linger in our mind for the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, we were fortunate enough to see presentations from some of the legends of the industry, including Tracy Wong of Wong, Doody, Crandall, Wiener (WDCW). His lecture had one very important theme; good ideas can come from anywhere. "A Democracy of Good Ideas" as he would put it. Throughout the presentation Tracy dropped the names of a handful of people who did great work for various projects, all without expecting to be recognized. He would follow this up by saying they truly did deserve recognition. Tracy was one of many speakers that touched on the same note. That's when it hit us; "why don't we be the ones to recognize them?" The Chihuahua Awards were born.

It was an instant go, we said "let's do this" and hit the ground running. Our first thought was to show our appreciation through an award, much like the Jay Chiat Awards or the quickly approaching Rosey's. Our goal was simple; seek out those who go above and beyond in the advertising industry to let them know their stellar work is not going unnoticed.

Our team got a site up and running with an introduction to our project and an open nomination submission form that would provide agencies across the world a chance to recognize a colleague or two. How the agency interprets what qualifies an individual is up to them, we simply ask that they made a difference within the company or the industry. It could be an intern who willingly took on as many tasks as he could get or the person who puts the most smiles on faces around the office. The unsung heroes.

Almost immediately we started receiving some great feedback through social media including of the people that inspired this project. The submissions are coming in and will remain open until midnight December 1. We look forward to an opportunity for growth and most importantly an opportunity to make an impact on someones life. Our goal through this is to support the notion that good ideas really can come from anywhere, and do.

Head to www.chihuahuaawards.com and let us know what you think. Have a deserving individual in mind? Nominate them! Stay tuned for updates.