Quarantined in her home, Humble Design Founder, Treger Strasberg, knew there were many people out there who, like herself, wanted to stay active and help the community. Strasberg thought it would be an ideal time to launch a “Pajama Potluck Auction” to benefit Humble Design, a 501C-3 charity which helps families transitioning out of homeless shelters by providing furnishings, home goods and design services.
The auction features virtual meet-ups with industry leaders and advertising executives. Donating their time by offering a virtual coffee chat, they’ll share business wisdom, points of view on the current state of the industry, career guidance and maybe a laugh or two. Participants include:
- Tricia Griffith, CEO of Progressive Insurance
- Alex Bogusky, CP+B Co-Founder
- Rob Reilly, McCann Worldgroup’s Global Creative Chairman
- Andrew Keller, Facebook Global Creative Director
- David Angelo, David & Goliath Chairman and Founder
Humble Design was founded in 2009 to restore dignity to families and veterans and transform empty residences into inviting homes. Brands such as U-Haul, Progressive, Clorox, CB2 and Fruit of the Loom are corporate sponsors who have supported Humble Design to distribute home goods, cleaning supplies, bedding, toys, books and clothes to shelters during this crisis. The online auction was set up by One Cause and includes experiences such as: tutoring sessions, legal help, painting lessons, design tutorials, dance lessons, personal training, celebrity virtual coffees, just to name a few. The money raised will go directly to Humble Design to support shelter partners nationally in markets including Chicago, Detroit, San Diego, Seattle and Cleveland (opening soon).
“The shelters in the cities we serve are over 200% overrun,” said Strasberg. “It is imperative for the shelters to get extra mattresses and other vital supplies to keep people comfortable and healthy, which is why we are delivering items multiple times a week. The money we raise during the auction will help decrease the funding gap that has developed as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.”
Bogusky said: ‘When we’re all pushed physically apart it’s even more fulfilling to find ways to pull us closer together. Raising money with a video chat is the perfect idea. I’m so in.”
Keller said: “I have coffee every morning, why not add some good in too. If it helps in any way – great.”
Reilly said: “Who the hell would want to have a virtual coffee with me?”
Humble Design’s CEO Rob Strasberg spent the majority of his career as a creative advertising executive, most recently as Doner‘s Global Creative Chairman and a decade at CP+B. So, it is no surprise that his former industry colleagues and peers hopped on board to help.
“In the midst of the madness, I am thrilled that so many people are focused on how they can help others. It is inspiring, in particular, to see my former colleagues in the advertising world make the time to assist, when clearly the state of the business is tumultuous. It says a lot about everyone who is getting involved and is focused on the greater good,” said Strasberg.
Other auction items include sessions with Syndicated Cartoonist Mike Peters, Board certified medical doctor an Integrative health expert Dr. Taz, and Bryan Fogel, Academy-Award winning director, producer, author and playwright.