In a jarring new documentary-style film, Off the Street Club (OTSC), Chicago’s oldest boys and girls club, reveals the impact that growing up in an urban war zone can have on kids, by juxtaposing children’s real life experiences with those of US veterans of combat. The moving piece aims to raise awareness of the commonalities shared by these two groups of individuals—both heroes in their own right. By bringing children and veterans together, OTSC hopes to illuminate the dire need for support on Chicago’s West Side. The veterans forge a powerful bond with this unexpected Chicago community based on letters written by kids who live in Chicago’s West Garfield Park, one of the country’s most dangerous neighborhoods.
 
Titled The Toughest Letter, this film is one piece in an overarching “Hope is Tougher” effort being led by ad agency Energy BBDO. The message speaks to the fact that the children of the OTSC are so much tougher than the streets they grow up on. Their hope is stronger than gangs, stronger than guns, stronger than violence—these children are heroes of hope, against some of the worst odds in the country. Funds raised from this campaign provide funding for the Club’s daily operating costs for the entire year. OTSC offers a positive refuge for more than 3,000 children in West Garfield Park.

Credits

Client Off the Street Club Agency Energy BBDO, Chicago Andres Ordonez, chief creative officer; Pedro Perez, Josh Gross, creative directors; Fernando Passos, Dan McCormack, associate creative directors; Daniel Kuypers, director of music; Nick Maker, associate music producer; Hung Vinh, lead designer; Mitch Monzon, exec producer; Stefanie Spiegel, producer; Jason Chiu, DP; Garrett Gassensmith, camera operator. Postproduction Kendall Fash, director, postproduction; Becca Sita, postproduction coordinator; Sean Berringer, editor; Geoffrey Neal, Alec Pieper, Austin Andries, assistant editors. Color Company 3 Tyler Roth, colorist. Audio Sarah Krohn, Katy Mindeman
 

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