Recognition for the fight against child abuse.
At the 2026 American Addy Awards, ICG Partner Doug Farthing received the Lowe Runkle Distinguished Service Award by the Oklahoma AAF club, a special honor highlighting impactful public service work. The award recognizes Doug and ICG’s decade-long partnership with the CARE Center, Oklahoma County’s only Child Advocacy Center (CAC). It also recognizes our ongoing work with other CACs including the Mary Abbott House in Norman, OK and Mission Kids in Montgomery County, PA.
CACs are a key part of the investigative and healing process for children who may be experiencing abuse by providing a safe, child-focused facility where they can tell their story and receive therapeutic services. ICG is proud to be on the team supporting and promoting the positive impact that the CARE Center and other Children’s Advocacy Centers have on children’s lives.
A bravery rebrand and a loveable lion.
In 2015, ICG rebranded the CARE Center with a central theme that celebrates the bravery of children who face abuse. Soon after, we collaborated with the CARE Center on the ROAR project, a classroom program aimed at providing elementary-aged children with the knowledge, awareness, and words to protect themselves. Stacy McNeiland, former CEO of the CARE Center, founded ROAR to give children the confidence to speak out and stay safe. As of date, over a hundred thousand children have been educated through the program.
Our collaboration on the ROAR project included the creation of the courageous character, Rex the Lion. Classrooms across Oklahoma and throughout the country use Rex and the ROAR program to teach children in simple, memorable ways how to recognize and report abuse.
Sharing stories of courage.
Another way we support the CARE Center is through storytelling. For Brave Ball, the non-profit’s annual fundraising event, we create videos highlighting real stories of children’s bravery to inspire and inform supporters. Funds raised provide children with more advocacy services, mental health resources, and classroom access to the ROAR program.
Award-winning work, real impact.
As Creative Director, Doug’s dedication to helping end child abuse goes back to his wife’s early career as a forensic interviewer at the CARE Center. “I saw firsthand the positive impact child advocacy groups can have on children’s lives,” he said.
For Doug, this recognition is a reminder that giving back is always worthwhile. “At ICG, we try to do big work that creates a big impact.” Doug said. “And what could have a bigger impact than changing children’s lives for the better?”
Doug and ICG were honored at the 2026 American Advertising Gala.
The Lowe Runkle award, named after an Oklahoma advertising pioneer and champion of public service, is given to an Oklahoma company, non-profit, agency, or individual who shows a dedication to human or social welfare and has made a significant impact in public service advertising or public service initiatives.