On Nov. 7–8, enthusiastic students from diverse majors joined forces with mentors from various professions to participate in the 12th annual CreateAthon@USC. 

135 dedicated individuals sacrificed sleep for a night filled with purpose, passion and creativity. Fueled by inspiration and collaboration, as well as by donuts and a dirty soda bar, they came together to channel their talents into meaningful work —transforming ideas into impactful campaigns that would benefit communities long after the night was over. 

"Every single volunteer gave their heart and soul," said Scott Farrand, CreateAthon@USC director. "It shows in every piece of work developed in those 24+ hours between hitting the ground running on Friday and when the client presentations finished around 4 p.m. Saturday."

This fall’s event was especially exciting as CreateAthon@USC partnered with Trio Solutions Inc., a Charleston-based, full-service marketing communications agency. Known for its bold, community-driven campaigns, Trio embodies the same creative and giving spirit that defines CreateAthon@USC.

Nonprofits served this year were: Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Crescent Region, Dickerson Children’s Advocacy Center, South Carolina Center for Community Literacy, Wholespire, Charleston Hope, Pathways to Healing, Midlands Fatherhood Coalition, and EmmanuWheel. The CreateAthon@USC team produced social media during the event and captured the great creative moments of the evening.

And the award goes to ...

On Nov. 18, the CreateAthon@USC teams reunited to celebrate their achievements. Awards were presented recognizing the most creative ideas and the best overall campaigns.

Utter Brilliance Award — Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity

The top award, the Utter Brilliance Award, was won by the  Central South Carolina Habitat for Humanity team. Team members included Ashley Ashley, Emily Bright, Juliette Behrends, Logan Hickman, Talia Kohan, Iphigenia (Nia) Nikas, Carley (CJ) Rosenberger,  Gilliane Russell, Elizabeth Snyder and Caroline Yahn.

The team was mentored by Devyn Pathak with Trio Solutions from Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina.

Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit housing organization that brings people together to build homes, communities and hope. Habitat  partners with individuals and families in Richland, Lexington and Fairfield counties to create strength, stability and self-reliance through affordable home ownership.

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  Best in Show: Wholespire

  Wholespire provides communities with proven and sustainable approaches that lead to increased access to healthy choices for all people. 
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  Next Best Creativity: South Carolina Center for Community Literacy

  The mission of the South Carolina Center for Community Literacy is to provide all youth with access to quality materials that encourage a love of reading. 
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  Best in Show Runner Up: Pathways to Healing

  The organization’s mission is to end sexual violence through advocacy, education, and supportive services.