The 2011 ADDY Awards, presented by the American Advertising Federation of the U.S. Virgin Islands, will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, at Prior-Jolleck Hall, Antilles School. This year’s ADDY theme is “The Magic of V.I. Advertising.” The event is sponsored by the V.I. Lottery, and The Virgin Islands Daily News. Tickets are $25 in advance and $35 at the door, and are available to the general public by calling MLB Creative at 774-8478.
“As the theme suggests, this year’s ADDY Awards not only features the biggest and best advertising that the U.S. Virgin Islands has to offer, but the show also celebrates that special magic and immense talent as media professionals that we have here within the territory,” said Kevin Hughes, president of the A.A.F. U.S. Virgin Islands.
“This year attendees will be treated to new special touches and upgrades that we’ve added to the show, to maintain a sophisticated and upscale feel to the show, such as live jazz music from celebrated musician Louis Taylor, complimentary champagne and hors d’ouevres on the red carpet, and a photo backdrop and photographer to take photos, just like a major Hollywood award show. Moreover, the night will be made even more special as we will honor Advertising and Media moguls Athneil “Addie” Ottley with our Lifetime Achievement Award and Rashidi Clenance with our Emerging Leader in Media Award. I want to encourage everyone to come out to the show, especially if you work within advertising or media. However, the show has something for everyone, so I encourage all to come out and see the awards, mingle with the advertising community, and have a great time,” Hughes said.
In addition to the local ADDY’s, the award show is also held nationally as part of one of the many events hosted by the National American Advertising Federation. Nationally, The ADDY awards represent the true spirit of creative excellence by recognizing all forms of media. Winning entries from the local V.I. ADDY awards go on to represent the territory and compete in the larger National Competition.
“This event is our signature event, which literally celebrates the creativity of the advertising community within the V.I. This event is highly anticipated, and attracts not only those who have submitted their advertising campaigns into the competition, but also many business owners, marketing, sales, and other media professionals as well,” said Lisa Jamil, vice president of the AAF U.S.V.I.
The evening of awards and entertainment will begin with attendees being greeted by “paparazzi” complements of the members of the UVI Student Ad Club, who will take photos of guests as attendees walk the red carpet and make their way to the cocktail area.
A portion of the proceeds from the ADDY’s will go toward support of community based programs such as A.A.F.’s UVI Advertising Club and the UVI Internship Program,where the organization assists students in finding meaningful internships and ultimately jobs within their chosen field of interest. The AAF U.S.V.I. is a registered 501c3 organization.
Nationally, the AAF has 200 member clubs in 15 districts within the U.S. and the Caribbean. The A.A.F. U.S. Virgin Islands is a part of the 4th district, which also includes Florida. For more information on the upcoming ADDY Awards, or the AAF U.S.V.I., visit the Web site at www.adclubvi.org. or call 774-8478.