PPB January 2020

accomplished. Singlehandedly, Kippie raised thousands of dollars with new donor contributions during her service. Her passion for the foundation is boundless and contagious.” As PPEF chair, she led the discussion on increasing support for students who demonstrate financial need, effectively shifting PPEF’s award structure so that 66 percent of the scholarship dollars go to students with financial need. Helzel was also responsible for getting PPEF’s “Art Of The Industry” fundraiser exhibit at The PPAI Expo off the ground. She considers the exhibit, showcasing a collection of art drawn from the promotional products industry’s long history, to be the most personally meaningful accomplishment in her volunteer career. “Robin Quinn, from Norwood, spearheaded the exhibit, drawing from the Norwood calendar artwork archives,” says Helzel. “I secured the sponsors to help underwrite the exhibit, and also wrote the four-page historical guide to the collection, which included highlights of some of its more remarkable pieces of art. It was an honor to work with Robin and her husband John, who restored and framed many of the pieces. So many of the original paintings, drawings and photos in the exhibit were masterpieces of everyday American life, not just historical records of the development of calendar art over this century. It was disappointing that more people didn’t see the exhibit, but those who did were blown away. I was so fulfilled and proud of what we achieved, and the fact that we brought something completely different to Expo was very satisfying. Most importantly, in the end, it was a good fundraiser for PPEF, thanks to the sponsors.” Along with her work with PPEF, Helzel served on the board and as chair of the Promotional Products Mentoring Network (PPMN) from 2007-2010; as a board member and president of the Three Rivers Advertising Specialty Association (TRASA) and the Upper Midwest Association of Promotional Professionals (UMAPP) from 2003- 2006 and 1990-1996, respectively; and as a delegate in the formation of the Regional Association Council (RAC). Her service also includes volunteering on the PPAI Events Action Group, Leadership Committee and Chairman’s Committee of 100. She has been recognized as a PPAI Fellow and Visionary Woman of 2019 by iPROMOTEu. “I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Kippie for over 20 years and her tireless and enthusiastic advocacy on behalf of the industry never ceases to amaze me,” says nominator Michele Bell at ASI. “The woman is like a machine: espousing the power of promo products as an effective marketing medium, mentoring younger industry pros—especially women—while welcoming them to the business, and connecting people to assist with their mutual personal growth and career advancement … all while neither asking (Top) Kippie Helzel, who has been a passionate and longtime supporter of PPEF, places leaves representing donations on a tree during The PPAI Expo. At left, she spends time with her longtime volunteer colleague Roni Wright, MAS, who nominated her for the honor. FEATURE | PPAI’s Top Awards 48 | JANUARY 2020 |