Some really exciting news. Congratulations to all 2010 40 Under 40 winners.
Written by: Debra Rizzi | Rizco Design
Patrick Kesler, Senior Art Director of Rizco Design and Manasquan Fireman has been named a winner in the 2010 NJBIZ Forty Under 40 awards program. On Septemeber 20, 2010 NJBIZ honored this year’s winners at the Palace at Somerset Park in Somerset, NJ. The award program, produced by NJBIZ, New Jersey’s premiere business news publication, is sponsored by Sax Macy Fromm & Co., PC, the New Jersey Devils and Right Management.
Patrick Kesler’s overwhelming commitment to community service placed him in a top spot for the 2010 class. As a volunteer fireman of Manasquan’s Fire Station 27-1 since 2005, he was a key contributor in the marketing and fundraising Rusty Rydholm Fundraiser, which occurred in April, 2009 when local fireman passed away after being affected by ALS. The result of the event exceeded all expectations with a turnout of over 500 people, and tripled the fundraising goal which reached $70,000. Secondly, Patrick and three other friends spearheaded, “A Day for CJ. A Community in Support.” on October, 2009 which was a fundraising event to to support George Walters, who unexpectedly lost his wife shortly after delivering their first baby “CJ.” Patrick handled the naming, branding, web site, community outreach, fundraising and event facilitation. A “Day for CJ” A Community In Support” raised $23,000 in a day. Last, Patrick has been involved with the annual ALS Valentine Plunge since 2007, which supports “staytough. fightHARD” and The Joan Dancy and PALS Foundations (valentineplunge.com). As one of three founders of this event, the Valentine Plunge was conceptualized and launched to raise money for local individuals suffering from ALS (Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s Disease). Participants, called plungers, collect donations for ALS patients in exchange for plunging into the icy Atlantic Ocean in February. On an annual basis, Patrick Kesler donates his design and marketing skills for all of the print and interactive marketing materials and plays a critical role in the fundraising component for this event which generates $250,000+ annually and over $1 million since its inception.
As the Senior Art Director of Rizco Design, Patrick utilizes his design gift to support other organizations in need and inspire the next generation of designers. Patrick’s major achievement includes the conceptualization and launch of Rizco Design’s “Project Give Back” grant program. Each year, one non-profit organization is awarded a comprehensive design project, free of charge within the year that it is awarded. The 2010 recipient was The Partnership for Drug Free NJ. Patrick headed up the development of new web site for “Shout Down Drugs” which challenges high school students to create original music and lyrics with powerful substance abuse prevention messages to allow teens to deliver the prevention message to each other through their favorite medium. The web site that Patrick conceptualized and designed, was a key driver for awareness on an international scale and featured an on-line voting portal that touched and inspired over 100,000 teens worldwide. Second, in 2009, Patrick donated his time and expertise by establishing the brand identity for Converge, which is the first co-working space in New Jersey that brings artists together to work and collaborate. This project encompassed the naming of the facility, logo, color pallet and graphic identity system that defined the interior space. Third, Patrick plays an active role within the Kean University design community, where he frequents as a guest speaker and provides valuable guidance to students during the annual Senior Portfolio Review. Fourth, Patrick is in the process of launching the New Jersey chapter of AIGA, which is recognized as the leading and most prestigious design organization in the United States whose mission is to advance design as a professional craft, strategic tool and vital cultural force. Last, Patrick is Founder and President of the DesignPart (DesignPart.org) which is an initiative that funds creative services to qualified non-profits that focus on education, research, environment and quality of life issues.
“Design has the ability to change minds, influence decisions and establish support for key initiatives. Patrick has established himself as a leader within the design community and consistently donates his design and branding expertise to support nonprofit organizations and individuals in need. The partners of Rizco are continuously amazed by Patrick, and define him with the words honest, articulate, driven, forward thinking, compassionate, selfless and inspirational. Patrick is a designer, educator, philanthropist, fireman, father, friend and leader – all encompassed into one individual. He has made a remarkable impact on Rizco Design’s corporate culture over the past two years and continues to drive positive change in the office and in the surrounding communities. We are so proud of Patrick’s achievements and thrilled that NJBIZ has recognized him with this well-deserved great honor.” -Debra Rizzi, Partner, Rizco Design
The Forty Under 40 awards program honors men and women under the age of 40 who have been making headlines in their field and who share a commitment to business growth, to professional excellence and to the community. To qualify, a nominee had to meet selection criteria that included working in New Jersey and possessing significant authority for decision making within a company or organization.
The winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges including: Elizabeth Christopherson, The Rita Allen Foundation; John Farrell, Rider University and Neil Stanton, Consultedge.
For more information about the NJBIZ Forty Under 40 awards program or to register for the event, please visit www.njbiz.com.
