• by Les Luchter , May 15, 2024

Creative agency PPK is getting into children’s book publishing –--on behalf of the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation (NPCF), a pro bono client for over a decade. Both PPK and NPCF are based in Tampa.

PPK’s book, “Clarence the Cloud,” is set to be published in September (Childhood Cancer Awareness Month) with the aim of raising $10,000 for NPCF by the end of the year. In addition to the book itself, PPK plans to sell a merchandise line based on the book’s characters via its dedicated website, ClarenceTheCloud.com.

Targeted at kids aged 5-8, “Clarence the Cloud” was written by agency creative director Nick McMurdy and Illustrated by art director Alan Schneller. It tells the story of a “happy-go-lucky” rain cloud (Clarence) “who must find his purpose after inadvertently ruining a big party and being cast out. Ultimately, the book tells a story of inclusion that highlights the importance of seeing value in everyone, especially oneself, and encourages people to see the good in others,” according to PPK.

In a statement, PPK President Garrett Garcia said the book will not only “do some good” by supporting NPCF, but also “spread a message that we all desperately need amid the current social and political landscape."

In support of the book, PPK will not only use its own social channels and do PR, but host readings at local children's hospitals, partner with "momfluencers," and hopefully “get buy-in from local bookstores,” Garcia tells Marketing Daily.

In addition, the NPCF plans to promote the book in its newsletter and on its owned channels, including social media.

Meanwhile, in another NPCF fundraiser, Canyon Bay Boat Works has spent $50,000 to become presenting sponsor of “The Great Loop Challenge,” in which stage 4 cancer survivor Scott "Red" Flowers will attempt to set a world boating record for the fastest completion of the Great Loop, a system of continuous waterways in the eastern portion of the United States and Canada.

Canyon Bay has also donated the boat to be used, and is “committed to auctioning the boat upon the completion of his trip to raise additional funds for pediatric cancer research,” said CEO Ross Toepel in a statement.

The goal of the 30- to 40-day trip is to raise $1 million for NPCF.

“Of the billions of dollars allotted for cancer each year, only 4% go to the kids that need it most,” said Flowers in a Great Loop Challenge video.