By Roxanne Lane
WestGlen Communications, Inc.’s (WestGlen) fourth annual “Give Back” campaign has awarded Women In Film, Los Angeles’ PSA Production Program a free satellite feed, with full national notification to over 1,000 television stations, of the program’s pro bono public service announcements (PSAs) produced for the Down Syndrome Research and Treatment Foundation (DSRTF) and Operation Gratitude.
WestGlen, a leading distributor of public service announcements and broadcast and internet public relations consultancy, started “Give Back” in 2009 when it recognized the challenges faced by today’s nonprofits, which include, for many, decreasing resources and an increasing need for donor visibility in a crowded media environment. “Give Back” awards weekly 15-minute satellite feeds of PSAs, one per week during the month of April, at no cost to nonprofit organizations. “Each year the response to our ‘Give Back’ more than doubles from the previous year,” said Annette I. Minkalis, Executive VP. “We always come away feeling rewarded having helped charities with critical messages but no funding.”
“This is truly a gift,” said Bonnie Spence, Chair of the WIF PSA Production Program. “WIF PSA productions run on a shoe string budget. From concept through distribution, a mere $7,000 dollars is allocated for each PSA. We rely heavily on relationships and passionate individuals who understand the power of giving back. WestGlen gave us means to launch the DSRTF PSA properly and to kick-off Operation Gratitude's ‘March to a Million' campaign in May.”
DSRTF is dedicated to finding treatments to improve cognition including learning, memory and speech, and additionally prevent earlier onset Alzheimer’s disease 
for children and adults with Down syndrome. DSRTF Chief Scientific Officer and Chair, Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Michael Harpold praised the PSA, saying, “The Women In Film PSA for DSRTF truly captures and communicates the dreams and aspirations of those with Down syndrome. This is unquestionably one of the most significant gifts for individuals with Down syndrome and DSRTF. The PSA will keep giving and giving to increase support and momentum for this very important research. It will create new opportunities for children and adults with Down Syndrome,” said Harpold.
Operation Gratitude annually sends 100,000 care packages to U.S. Service Members deployed in hostile regions, to their children left behind and to Wounded Warriors recuperating in Transition Units. “I am delighted that Operation Gratitude will receive yet another incredible gift through the kindness of WIF and WestGlen. When bullets are flying, it’s critical for our troops to know that someone cares about them as an individual. This gift will touch the lives of our heroes who are in harm’s way,” said Carolyn Blashek, President of Operation Gratitude.
Women In Film’s award-winning PSA Production Program is the first and largest charitable production program that grants pro bono PSAs for 501 (c) 3 nonprofit organizations.
