Advertising exec lives on billboard, raises Make-A-Wish funds
by ELIZABETH TAUFA Reporter

Janet Stanek, president of Stand Advertising, looks down from her billboard perch where she stayed for 30 hours in order to raise $30,000 for Make-A-Wish. A total of $26,000 was raised and Stand will continue to raise funds until the goal is met. The stunt also marked Stand's sixth anniversary.

Thirty hours, $30,000.

That was Janet Stanek's goal when she pledged to raise money for Make-A-Wish, which grants the wishes of area children with life-threatening illnesses.

"It's not a last wish, it's a wish for hope," Stanek said.

So how would she do it?

By spending 30 hours on a billboard on Interstate 190.

It may sound crazy, but it certainly has worked so far.

On Oct. 1, Stanek, chief strategist and president of the Amherst-based Stand Advertising, sat on a billboard for 30 hours while pledges of money came in from businesses and individuals. Since Oct. 1, Stand has successfully raised $26,000 for their cause.

The stunt was also to celebrate the sixth anniversary of Stand Advertising.

"It was physically harder than I thought it was going to be," Stanek said. "From the seasickness to wearing a harness for 30 hours and getting sore."

However, Stanek noted that as difficult as it was, she had an easier task than those the advertising firm is trying to help.

"It's an easy job because I don't have the child in the emergency room for 30 hours," she said.

The idea was formed by Stand's advertising team. Each wish for Make-A-Wish costs $5,000 and as this year was Stand's sixth year, the company decided to help grant six wishes.

"My team's very good at brainstorming," Stanek said.

Last year's fundraiser had Stanek slide into a pool of salsa for every $250 raised. While last year's fundraiser took less time, the "yuck" factor was definitely higher.

"There are places that salsa should not go," Stanek laughed.

This year, Stand's clients were then recruited for the effort. Clients donated radio spots and helped in the fundraising efforts. One client, Perry's Ice Cream, donated a year's worth of ice cream to anyone who donated $250.

"We were absolutely pleased with the amount of money raised," Stanek said. "And especially with the outpouring of support. The community once again proved to be the top contributor."

Stanek said that individuals who drove by the billboard stopped and contributed money to the cause.

As far as next year's fundraiser, Stanek is unsure of what to do but she is sure that Stand will continue its fundraising efforts to benefit Make-A-Wish.

While this year's $30,000 goal has not yet been met, Stanek and Stand will continue the fundraising efforts until it is.

For more information or to donate to the cause, visit the Web site www.bossonabillboard.com or call Stand Advertising at 210-1065.