New agency McDowell & Parkinson’s launches with a purpose to raise funds for Andy McDowell
A new agency has just launched in Auckland – and unusually it has just one client. Called McDowell & Parkinson’s, the agency’s aim is very clear-cut – to raise money for much-loved and highly-regarded suit and strategist, Andy McDowell.
McDowell, who launched The Department Of Marketing in 2008 and was previously at FCB, O&M Direct and owner of Nebula Marketing, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2009 at the age of 43.
In the past two years, his life and ability to work has become increasingly difficult due to the symptoms of the condition. His voice has weakened considerably and his dyskinesia (involuntary muscle movements caused by medication) has become more overt.
Says Trevor Moodie, McDowell’s business partner at The Department Of Marketing and friend of 15 years: “Andy is finding it more and more difficult to drive, to walk a reasonable distance or to stand for any length of time. He’s concerned he can no longer provide for his family, which is causing him major worry and stress.
“Andy is so well-regarded within the industry that a group of us have decided to organise a special event to help him, his wife Kate and his gorgeous girls Lily and Pearl at this tough time. In particular, he wishes to leave a legacy so Pearl and Lily have the opportunity for tertiary education in years to come. The fund will also help support Andy’s ongoing treatment and enhance his quality of life.”
The innovative fundraising campaign is in the style of a new agency launch and includes a dedicated website, recruitment ads, direct mail and public relations. Agencies providing pro bono support include The Department of Marketing, Federation, Big Communications, the Marketing Association, CAANZ, Method Studios, .99, RAPP, Rainger & Rolfe, NZ Post and Lassoo Media & PR.
The special one-off event, which includes a live auction, will take place at La Zeppa, 33 Drake Street, Freeman’s Bay, on Tuesday, 18 November, at 6.30pm. Tickets cost $60 and are available at www.mcdowellparkinsons.co.nz. Big ticket auction items include accommodation at some of the North Island’s best holiday spots, luxurious hotel packages, high-end sports cars for the weekend, a fully catered day on the high seas and a round of golf for four at Auckland’s top-ranked course.
Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with no known cure. It affects more than 10,000 New Zealanders, with men more likely to get it than women. Those affected by the condition include Muhammad Ali, Michael J. Fox and Billy Connolly.
When he first received his diagnosis, Andy wrote a poem about it for his daughters. Called Smaller, he made it into a short film which won the Grand Prize and the People’s Choice Awards at the World Parkinson Congress in Canada last year. See it here.