Posted by Alex B. Wright, SVP, Director of CRM, Draftfcb New York.

“Advertising has the power to change hearts and minds,” said Neil Guiliano, president of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) last night at an event to announce the first annual Advertising Media Award, planned for September.  With Draftfcb as one of the four main sponsors, GLAAD honored our client Levi’s for their vanguard perspectives, actions, and support of diversity within their organization and in their advertising.   For example, Levi's was the first Fortune 500 company to extend benefits to domestic partners in 1992.

In attendance at the Alvin Ailey Theater space New York’s hip Hell’s Kitchen were fellow Draftfcb’ers from New York, as well as a few colleagues from Jack Morton.  I spoke with GLAAD's head of development, who expressed how very appreciative he was with Draftfcb’s support and commitment.

Also receiving recognition was Wells Fargo, which showed a video of LGBT employees speaking about Well’s inclusive and open culture.  Curious that as we’re in New York, both companies honored are based in San Francisco; it certainly is a reflection of that city’s progressive diversity policies.

After the brief speeches and presentations, the 250+ crowd enjoyed plenty of refreshments from the other sponsor: Absolut.  In sum, the event was an appreciative recognition of companies that think forward in their own corporate culture, and how that is reflected in their advertising (e.g., Levi’s “Change” ads).   Looking forward to seeing more clients win at future GLAAD Advertising Media Awards.