SARASOTA, FL – Nov 21, 2008 – The International Academy of the Visual Arts has awarded Internet marketing agency atLarge, Inc. an International Davey Award for the 2008 Girls Inc. of Sarasota County Web Site.

The International Academy of the Visual Arts poured through 4,000 entries looking for the most innovative advertising from across the world. The judges included top marketers behind brands like Yahoo!, MTV, Polo Ralph Lauren, Victoria Secret's and more. The Daveys honor breakthrough creative, not breakthrough advertising budgets. The name of the awards and the concept behind them is hinged upon the story of David and Goliath where a young boy named David was able to defeat the giant Goliath with a pebble. Daveys honor the "Creative Davids" who use big ideas, not big budgets, to push their clients' brands to new heights.

Big ideas and an even bigger passion were the impetus behind girlsincsrq.org. The project was the culmination of a seven-month collaboration between atLarge, Inc. and Girls Inc. of Sarasota County. The goal of the project was to raise engagement between donors, parents, girls, community leaders — and Girls Inc. The online campaign was a success across all fronts, especially increased donations and membership inquiries. In addition, the Girls Only secure online portal has become a tool for girls to learn about online media literacy while connecting with positive female role models. The media literacy program raises awareness of the scope and power of the media and the effects of media messages on girls and women.  Girls learn to critically analyze what they see and hear in the media, advocate for change in entertainment, news, and advertising media, and create images that are more realistic and reflective of their lives.

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County Executive Director Stephania Feltz said receiving the International Davey is further recognition for a collaboration that has already proved instrumental for sharing the Girls Inc. story and fulfilling the Girls Inc. mission. "With our impactful new online presence, our work and our girls are showcased. From our educational after-school and summer programs to our sports and leadership initiatives and our inspiring Girls Inc. alumni stories – we are showing online how we inspire girls to be strong, smart and bold offline and in all facets of their lives."

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County serves over 150 girls daily during the school year, over 300 girls during summer camp and over 700 girls year-long through outreach programs.

Girlsincsrq.org was launched in August 2008 as part of the atLarge, Inc. Dream Large program. The Program offers a selected non-profit that's positively impacting their community one full year of atLarge services at no charge. Dream Large complements other atLarge, Inc. community programs of volunteerism and community support. Twenty percent of all company work has been donated back to the community each year.

Girls Inc. of Sarasota County
Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County is dedicated to "inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold" and fulfills its mission of empowering girls aged six and up to be self-confident, responsible and well-rounded individuals by delivering research-based, age-appropriate, after-school and summer educational and sports programs. In the past two years, Girls Inc. has served over 3,000 girls at its facility and throughout the Sarasota County School System. Dedicated in 1976, Girls Incorporated of Sarasota County has served the Sarasota community for over 30 years.

About atLarge, Inc.
atLarge, Inc. is a privately held Internet advertising agency focused on building client brands through compelling, online experiences. Founded in Sarasota in 2004, we specialize in Internet marketing including Web site development, analytics, Search Engine Optimization and usability design.  We have elevated sales and brand awareness for a range of influential companies such as ActionQuest, Admiral Travel, BBDO, Chevrolet, Detroit Regional Chamber, Ford Motor Company, Girls Inc. of Sarasota County, Hoveround, IMG Academies, J.D. Powers & Associates, Ringling College of Art and Design, Sarasota Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sarasota Film Festival, Sarasota News and Books, Summit Hotels, The Observer Group and The State of Michigan. The agency has won numerous awards including the grand-all Award of Excellence from the Sarasota County Economic Development Corporation, two International Davey Awards, the Association of Film Commissioners International Honorable Mention and 16 American Advertising Federation Suncoast ADDY's.