United Way California Capital Region is thrilled to announce that our team has been honored with two prestigious Telly Awards for our brand launch commercial, Future Forward. The commercial earned a Silver People’s Telly Award in the General, Local TV category and a Bronze Telly Award in the General, Local TV – Not-for-Profit category.
Now in its record-breaking 46th year, the Telly Awards celebrate excellence in video and television across all screens. Winners are selected by a panel of industry leaders from top video platforms, television networks, streaming services, and production companies.
The Silver People’s Telly Award recognizes over-the-air or cable commercials produced specifically for the Sacramento market. After being shortlisted by judges, Future Forward was selected as a Silver winner by public vote. The Bronze Telly Award honors outstanding local television commercials created to promote nonprofit organizations or events.
The commercial was conceptualized, directed, filmed, and edited by Nick Marchuk, United Way’s Videographer and Media Manager. It was designed to bring to life United Way’s newly refreshed mission: Mobilizing our community to action so all can thrive.
Diana Solorio, former Social Media Manager and current West Sacramento police academy recruit, played a key role in the project and appears in the final scene of the commercial.
United Way President and CEO Dr. Dawnté Early lent her voice to the commercial, which also featured appearances by team members Edward King, Zelene Molina, Tiffany Buss, Brit Hotaling, Rena Gonzalez, Nicole Fitt, Bianca Solorio, and Carrie Blankenship.
The production team was led by Amber Lovett, Chief Resource Development & Marketing Officer; Brandon Kisker, Senior Director of Marketing & Communications; Michaela Garcia, Marketing Manager; along with Nick Marchuk and Diana Solorio.
“This commercial was about showing our community who we are and how we’re working to make sure everyone in the Capital Region has the chance to thrive,” said Dr. Early. “I’m incredibly proud of Nick, Diana, and the entire team for creating such a powerful piece. To see it recognized alongside work from some of the best marketing firms from across the country is a true testament to their talent and dedication.”
Future Forward debuted in October 2024 as part of United Way’s new brand launch. It aired on KCRA and KOVR and streamed locally on Paramount+ and Pluto TV, reaching audiences through their favorite shows, sports, news and movies.
United Way was among other Sacramento-area winners including the Sacramento Kings, who received a Silver People’s Telly Award for their Doug Remembers commercial.
- Ben Wackett, Marketing Director, ENSO Sports & Entertainment Agency
- Brian Toombs, Head of Roku Brand Studio, Roku Brand Studio
- Lucy Shen, Creator Marketing Manager, Patreon
- Irantzu Diez-Gamboa, CEO North America, MediaPro
- Rosalind Pressman, VP Brand Marketing, Pluto TV
- Adam Faze, Executive Producer, Gymnasium
- James Young, EVP, Head of Creative Innovation, BBDO New York
- Sarah Minnie, Head of Artist Development and Production, Open Television
- Nicole Lederman, Executive Producer, The Martin Agency
- Gregg Stouffer, Lead Editor, Pickleball TV
“Our industry is experimenting with new technologies like never before, shaping truly compelling stories to draw attention to some of the world’s most pressing issues,” shares Telly Awards Managing Director Amanda Needham. “The Telly Awards is uniquely positioned to meet the industry where it’s actually making work, be that on television or TikTok.”
The full list of the 46th Annual Telly Awards winners can be found at www.tellyawards.com/winners/.
United Way California Capital Region has been a driving force across the region for more than 100 years, listening, responding and taking comprehensive action to meet local needs. From advancing youth opportunities and helping kids excel in school, to strengthening local communities and investing in families’ financial security and health, United Way mobilizes communities to build a future where everyone can reach their full potential and thrive. Working across Amador, El Dorado, Placer, Sacramento and Yolo counties, the local United Way also provides books and literacy tutoring, addresses housing and food security, leads the region’s largest tax preparation initiative, works with foster youth across school districts and leads the Community Schools initiative in West Sacramento.