Power’s Scott Smith: A Hero with a Lot of Heart

Mar 15, 2013

Every now and then, a person comes along who exemplifies the true meaning of “hero.” At Power Creative, that person is Art Director Scott Smith. His co-workers know they can always count on him to lend an ear, a kind word or a helping hand. As it turns out, we’re not the only ones who have recognized his generosity.

Last Saturday evening, Scott was awarded with the 2013 “Heroes of the Heart Award” at the Council on Developmental Disabilities’ (CODD) Art From The Heart Gala, held at Louisville’s Seelbach Hotel. The highest honor offered by CODD, the award was given to Scott for his “tremendous compassion and caring in serving his community,” according to CODD Director of Fundraising Mona Wilkerson.

“Scott embodies the values of mankind and provides hope and inspiration,” she said. “He is the best of the best who ennoble the human race with the quality of their lives.”

CODD Chief Executive Officer Donovan Fornwalt also offered his praise: “Scott has a very special place in his heart for children and adults with developmental disabilities. He has embraced the mission of the Council on Developmental Disabilities giving ‘Hope–Vision–Voice’ for all people with developmental disabilities.”

For Scott, the award marks an important milestone in life coming full circle. CODD came to Power Creative in 2004 as a pro bono client in need of rebranding. Scott was placed on the creative team that updated the 50-year-old non-profit’s marketing materials and created a new corporate identity and tag line – “Hope. Vision. Voice.”

In 2005, long after the initial project was completed, Scott and his wife found themselves on the receiving end of our client’s mission when they faced a crisis with their developmentally disabled son and did not know where to turn. CODD stepped in, giving Scott and his family the assistance they needed to find a resolution.

“Power Creative helped with their ‘vision’ – they helped give my son a ‘voice’ and our family ‘hope,’” said Scott. “Life came full circle.”

Nearly 10 years later, Scott is grateful for the opportunity to bring his talent to various CODD projects, including creating marketing materials for The Weber Gallery (CODD’s non-profit art gallery dedicated to showcasing the talents of individuals with disabilities) and promotional materials for CODD’s “Art From The Heart” annual fundraising dinner/auction.

“While the award was a great honor,” said Scott, “without the use of Power Creative’s resources and talents, I would not have been able to give back to CODD in helping create these things. I’m just fortunate and grateful to be involved with both organizations.”