Oconomowoc Area Foundation (the OAF)
Print Marketing
Elegant, theme-driven invitations that inspire generosity
The Oconomowoc Area Foundation (OAF) strengthens the communities of Western Waukesha County by connecting donors with causes they care about. As a division of the Greater Milwaukee Foundation, OAF works to ensure local resources make a lasting impact, providing grants that support health, education, conservation, arts, and more across the region.
Crafting Theme-Driven Print + Digital Assets for Annual Fundraising
Since 2013, OAF has entrusted Ocreative with designing print and digital invitations, save-the-dates, and social graphics for their Annual Celebration Gala. Every year brings a new theme, and with it, the opportunity to craft a visual identity that reflects the foundation’s local impact and heartfelt mission while exciting donors and stakeholders.
From festive galas with seasonal flair to sleek, modern celebrations of philanthropic milestones, each event required a distinct look that remained grounded in the foundation’s refined brand. Above all, the invitations needed to communicate professionalism, warmth, and the community-centered heart of the event.
Creating Cohesive Invitation Packages With Print and Social Integration
Each gala cycle began with creative consultation. After reviewing early ideas from the OAF team, we proposed polished theme options with coordinating color palettes, typography, and sample layouts. From there, we moved into design, creating cohesive sets of:
- Save-the-date postcards
- Formal printed invitations
- RSVP inserts
- Social media graphics for digital outreach
- Web event assets
- Newletter assets
Our print layouts focused on clean elegance, while carefully selected fonts and textures brought seasonal themes to life, from autumnal Oktoberfest stylings to summery watercolor scenes. With each year’s unique design, we ensured that invitations felt like part of a cohesive tradition while still bringing something fresh to the table.
THE RESULTS
Over the last decade, and especially in the past five years, our design support has helped OAF maintain an elevated and memorable presence for its most anticipated annual event. Each invitation suite contributed to high engagement and attendance, reinforcing the foundation’s reputation as a trusted, community-focused leader in local philanthropy.
Working together for so many years has allowed us to evolve and refine the gala’s visual identity, striking a perfect balance between heritage and innovation. Through trusted collaboration, thoughtful design, and a shared commitment to impact, the OAF’s gala invitations continue to open doors, and hearts.
2020 Communicator Awards, Gold, The OAF Oktoberfest Event, Marketing/Promotion – Invitation
“The OCreative Team is The Best! I called with a request for a very quick turnaround on an ad using parts of a previously done project they had created for us. Within the day, the ad was complete and perfect! Kelsey Becker, OCreative Graphic Designer, listened and worked with me without any hesitation. Many thanks to Kelsey and the OCreative team!!”
—Maribeth Bush, Foundation Coordinator
