Field Notes: Children’s Home Association of Illinois

The right story, told at the right moment, helped Children’s Home Association of Illinois raise more money than ever before at their annual fundraiser. Here’s how.

One voice. One mission.

CHAIL supports children and young adults across Illinois through behavioral health services, residential care, pregnancy support, and more. Their mission is broad, but this story was focused.

We interviewed Anthony, a full-time father whose life was changed through CHAIL’s support, and his son, Tony.

No narration. No script. Just real conversations in real spaces, captured with care.

The finished piece was just over two minutes long.

It played right before the paddle raise.

And it worked.

🎥 Watch the video:

The result

“This video was played right before the auctioneer kicked off the paddle raise portion of the event as our final ask for monetary donations. It was a beautiful representation of our mission and made a compelling ask for people to contribute to support our work. People were moved to tears, pledged money, the event raised more than ever before, and our remarkable client was the center of it all. A true win for all of us.”

-Camille Simpson, Chief of External Affairs, CHAIL

The film helped raise over $1.2 million. It continues to serve CHAIL in emails, board presentations, and donor conversations.

Why it worked

It wasn’t flashy. It was honest.

• It was personal. A father, his son, and a story of growth.
• It was timed perfectly. Placed just before the appeal.
• It was grounded. No voiceover. Just experience, framed with empathy.
• It was reusable. Versions continue to be shared well after the event.

The right partner

“When we were researching potential film crews, we were looking for a team that could highlight the vulnerability of the human experience because of the nature of the work we do. When we came across Storyteller Studios, I knew they were the perfect fit for our agency’s vision and point of view. Not only is the team knowledgeable and professional, but they are a true delight to work with. They are creative, and thoughtful, and we cannot wait to work with them again.”

-Camille Simpson

What it means to us

“We celebrate the entire staff at CHAIL for the critically important work they do. Camille and her team invested ~ $3,000 in the production of Anthony’s story. That film helped raise over $1.2 million.
That’s the power of great storytelling. And it’s the clearest sign that we’re accomplishing our own mission.”

-Josh Hester, Founder & Executive Producer, Storyteller Studios

More like this?

If your team is preparing for a fundraising event, or just needs a clear, emotional way to show what you do, we can help.

One story. Told well.

Sometimes that’s all it takes.

👉 Work with us

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