Video Production - American Cancer Society Taste of Hope Chef’s Competition Fundraiser

Project Title: American Cancer Society Taste of Hope Chef’s Auction Video Production
Client: American Cancer Society — West Michigan Chapter
Creative Director / Video Partner: Nic Dampier
Scope: Survivor Story Films | Chef Sizzle Videos | Event Recap Video
Objective: Use video storytelling and dynamic event media to elevate the American Cancer Society Taste of Hope fundraising experience, emotionally connect donors to the mission, and help raise funds for cancer research and patient support.

In partnership with the American Cancer Society’s Taste of Hope chef competition, I provided full-service video production as part of a creative sponsorship agreement. Taste of Hope is a unique fundraising event that brings together West Michigan’s top chefs and philanthropists for a live culinary auction—supporting lifesaving cancer research and patient programs. Through cinematic storytelling, emotional survivor interviews, high-energy chef introduction videos, and a compelling recap film, my role was to bring the mission to life, connect hearts to giving, and elevate the event experience.
This wasn’t just video content—it was visual fundraising strategy with heart.

Raise awareness and emotional connection to the American Cancer Society’s work through authentic survivor stories
Amplify donor engagement during the live auction by creating exciting, professional sizzle videos for each participating chef
Support future promotions through a post-event highlight video that captures the spirit, purpose, and community impact of Taste of Hope
Leverage video as a strategic tool to inspire giving, honor survivors, and move the audience to action

2 Survivor Stories:
Documentary-style short films featuring local cancer survivors, highlighting resilience, treatment journeys, and the impact of ACS support.
16 Chef Sizzle Videos:
15 - 20 second high-energy introduction videos for each chef and their featured dish, played live as they were brought on stage for auction. Styled for visual excitement and branding consistency.
Event Recap Video:
A cinematic, emotionally rich highlight video capturing the night—from food to fundraising—used to promote future ACS events, thank sponsors, and share on social media and email campaigns.

Narrative Impact:
Crafted story arcs in survivor videos that moved audiences from empathy to action—showcasing real faces, real battles, and the real difference ACS makes.
Elevated Production Value:
Brought professional lighting, motion design, and polished editing to every piece—reflecting the upscale tone of the event and making the cause feel as powerful as the mission behind it.
Live Auction Integration:
Designed chef videos for timed rollout and stage presentation, syncing with emcee cues and creating excitement in the room during each auction moment.
Mission-Focused Aesthetic:
All visuals were aligned with ACS brand standards while adding warmth, humanity, and cinematic quality.

Over $300,000 raised at the 2024 Taste of Hope event—the highest in its history
Audience feedback highlighted the impact of the videos in motivating generosity and deepening engagement
ACS staff shared the recap video nationally as a model for future event storytelling
Increased visibility and reputation of Taste of Hope within West Michigan’s philanthropic and culinary communities

Video isn’t just about what people see—it’s about what they feel. In this project, storytelling became a bridge between the mission and the moment. By combining cinematic visuals, personal testimonies, and energy-driven chef showcases, I helped ACS turn a fundraiser into a movement. This work wasn’t just creative—it was deeply personal. And it made a difference.

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