Celebrating 30 Years of Defining Moments

Our First Steps as a Mission-driven Marketing Agency with Samaritan’s Purse

As we mark vitalink’s 30th anniversary, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the partnerships that have shaped our journey—none more foundational than our nonprofit marketing agency work with Samaritan’s Purse International Relief organization, our very first client. From the earliest days of vitalink in 1996, this relationship represented not just a business opportunity, but a shared mission to make a tangible difference in the world. 

It began with a phone call. Jeanne Frazer, having built a strong relationship with Samaritan’s Purse during her time in broadcast TV, reached out to see if they’d be open to working with her new venture. They were.

Starting modestly with strategic media buys for Franklin’s Festivals, we soon expanded our efforts to support a wide range of life-changing initiatives. For Jeanne, the success of these campaigns was always secondary to their significance. Reflecting on this chapter, she shared:

“What made our work with Samaritan’s Purse so special wasn’t just the scale of the outreach—it was the meaning behind every effort. Whether it was helping a child across the world or supporting our communities in crisis, we knew we were part of something bigger than ourselves. Purpose-driven marketing work has always been at the heart of vitalink.”

Together, we raised funds and awareness for disaster relief in the wake of destructive hurricanes in North and South Carolina, famine in Rwanda, for a child to receive lifesaving heart surgery through World Medical Mission, and to bring joy to over 100 million kids through Operation Christmas Child in 150 countries.

Our social impact marketing collaboration grew to include support for Billy Graham Evangelistic Association’s (BGEA) crusades across the U.S., the Combined Federal Campaign for military servicemembers to give to nonprofits, and national outreach for initiatives like Franklin Graham’s Rebel with a Cause and Heal Our Nation. Each project was rooted in research and a deep commitment to understanding—and serving—the audience.

This partnership didn’t just last—it flourished for almost a decade, playing a part in milestones like Franklin Graham being named Time Magazine’s Man of the Year and his subsequent leadership of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Looking back, we’re filled with gratitude for the trust placed in us from the beginning. Our work with Samaritan's Purse set the standard for purpose-driven communication that serves people first.

Here’s to 30 years—and to the many defining moments still to come.