HEALTH CARE

SKIP of New York

Background:

Amy’s work for SKIP of New York is propelled as much by her belief in its mission as by her history as a “SKIP parent.” Over 800,000 children in New York suffer from autism, developmental disabilities, birth defects, or the effects from disabling accidents.

SKIP (Sick Kids Need Involved People) is a non-profit organization that serves as a free medical concierge, connecting children to the services and the equipment they need to live at home rather than in hospitals and institutions. SKIP is the only 501(c)(3) of its kind in New York.

After SKIP provided critical assistance to Amy’s family, she became an active supporter, and eventually joined the Board of Directors.

SKIP OF NY WEBSITE

Challenge:

SKIP had a big story to tell, but it had not yet been told. SKIP had a wait list of hundreds of families desperately waiting for services but it needed funding to take these children off the list. Although it was an award-winning organization doing life-saving work, SKIP was not positioned to be attractive to potential donors and sponsors.

Solution:

Determined to help take children off SKIP’s wait list, Amy led a major fundraising and branding initiative.

Branding and Design:

Under Amy’s leadership, strategic thinking and imagination, she created a visual and emotional identity for SKIP with a new logo and the slogan, “There’s No Place Like Home”. She produced a fundraising video, journal and materials to give to potential sponsor’s, spearheaded a large auction and designed and created “The Ruby Slipper Awards” to honor those who have made outstanding contributions to those with special needs.

The Ruby Slipper Awards Celebration launched at Christie’s Auction House in 2002 with Amy as chair and Meredith Vieira as host.

Now in it’s 12th year, the list of hosts and honorees for this distinguished award and celebration includes; Caroline Kennedy, Pat and Bob Schieffer, Meredith Vieira and Richard Cohen, Mort Zuckerman, Deirdre Imus, Jonathon Alter, Dorothy and Hamilton Jordan, Dana Reeves and Anderson Cooper. Amy continues to Chair the Ruby Award Celebration with Deirdre Imus.

The Ruby Slipper Awards Celebration has helped to get thousands of children off of SKIP’s wait list and has helped SKIP almost triple in size. Since its launch in 1983, SKIP has helped over 25,000 children.

In 2007 Amy was awarded the Wizard of SKIP Award by Bob Schieffer and Margaret Mikol on behalf of SKIP for the impact she has made to SKIP and the families it serves.