Client Profile + BTS: The Andrew Weishar Foundation

Motion Source and The Andrew Weishar Foundation teamed up for the second time to create a new video for their annual fundraising event, WeishFest. It was back in 2015 when the two organizations met and partnered to produce their first video sharing the story of the foundation's namesake, Andrew, and their mission of "Paying It Forward." This time around, we had the opportunity to tell the story of a young girl's brave battle with cancer.

Dan Weishar and Emma

Foundation President and Executive Director Dan Weishar sought a fresh video for their 2017 event, one that captured the essence of their slogan "Paying It Forward." We suggested featuring one individual's story and how The AWF was able to offer the family financial support. This is how we met Emma.

Emma was diagnosed with leukemia in March at the age of 13. Through life-threatening health complications, a cancer diagnosis, extended stays at the hospital, and multiple rounds of treatment, she faced moments that no one, especially a child, should ever have to. Yet, with an incredible spirit, she has persisted and is on her way to overcoming the disease.

Dan Weishar, Andrea, Emma, and Jason

Capturing her story was a responsibility that we did not take lightly. And without an actual hospital location to shoot at, we turned to our studio, and creativity, to capture strong, tasteful imagery of Emma's diagnosis. With the exception of a few shots, everything was captured in the studio. Emma's parents, Jason and Andrea, joined her in the video, with Jason serving as the main storyteller.

The video premiered on December 1st at WeishFest 2017 to an audience of over 3,000. It since has garnered over 5,000 views on Facebook and been shared more than 60 times.

Dan Weishar and Emma on stage at WeishFest 2017

“Thanks to the support of those that purchased tickets, and all of our incredible sponsors and partners, WeishFest 2017 was a massive success," said Dan Weishar. "Every single dollar we raised will impact these families. Every year at WeishFest, we quiet the audience for ten minutes to share with them the true reason behind the party. This is where the video comes in. It grabs the attention of the crowd and a few minutes later--tears and applause fill the venue. It is a special moment that ensures everyone is aware of the importance of their involvement.”

This year's event profited over $200,000, money which goes directly to families in need, like Emma's. The AWF has helped 100 families with over $600,000 in financial support since their first event in September 2013.

Motion Source crew at WeishFest 2017: David Gall, Hunter Kallenbach, Michelle Maslanka, Steve Brown, Sam Ott, Lydia Koranda, and Craig Bass

“We are lucky to consider Motion Source a partner," Dan continued. "The video pieces they have produced have made a significant impact on our cause, and will do so for years to come. The videos allow the foundation to powerfully depict our mission. There truly are no words that do justice to the impact that The AWF has on our beneficiary families; however, the videos created by our friends at Motion Source give us the opportunity to best share exactly what we do. The video created for us, featuring our beneficiary Emma, will be used in so many ways to promote this cause-- social media advertising, event presentations, sponsor and donor solicitation, and everything in between. This piece allows us to show our supporters that their backing results in direct and immediate joy for families battling cancer. We thank the team at Motion Source for not only their amazing end products, but also for the compassion and eagerness they show to make a difference.”

We can certainly say the same about Dan and the rest of The Andrew Weishar Foundation. It is our honor to work with clients like them and share the stories of those like Emma.