FOUNTAIN FORT CARSON – SCHOOL DISTRICT 8
Energizing Event Marketing for Foster the Future 5K
When Fountain-Fort Carson School District 8 (FFC8) set out to re-energize its annual 5K fun run fundraiser, we partnered with them to create a bold visual identity—one that embraced families, celebrated community, and brought new life to a well-loved tradition. Through vibrant design and a full suite of branded materials, CEL helped transform a charitable event into a memorable, district-wide celebration.
Flexible Event Branding That Grows With Your District
The original Foster the Future logo, centered around a basic shoe graphic, served as the starting point for our initial redesign of the 5K’s visual identity. Our first refresh translated that concept into a vibrant shoeprint design, using bold colors and modern typography to inject new energy while maintaining a connection to the event’s district roots. Each year, the visuals are updated to give a fresh flair while staying aligned to the overall event identity and district’s brand guidelines. The refreshed logo featured a custom, hand-drawn font, a more prominent mountain graphic, and bright color accents to enhance its appeal across all age groups.
To ensure accessibility for all families, we developed bilingual marketing materials, translating event promotions into Spanish and making the 5K more inclusive for the district’s diverse community.
"Working with CEL is like having a team of creative fairy godparents—except instead of glass slippers, they send me stunning flyers, beautifully branded billboards, and folders that make even paperwork feel exciting. From day one, this team has been more than a vendor—they are true partners and design wizards all in one. In a world of deadlines, details, and big decisions, CEL brings clarity, creativity, and a lot of joy. They understand my brand as intimately as I do and I couldn’t imagine doing this work without them."
~CHRISTY MCGEE, APR
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS
Design in Motion: From Promotion to Race Day
Bringing the refreshed brand to life meant designing a full suite of materials that felt cohesive, engaging, and aligned with FFC8’s district identity. Each piece not only served a functional purpose but also helped reinforce the energy, inclusivity, and community spirit behind the event. From flyers to race day shirts, every element worked together to create a welcoming, high-impact experience. The bold new logo anchored the visuals, while vibrant colors and playful typography carried the brand across every platform.
We developed a full suite of school event deliverables that spanned every stage of the experience, including:
- T-shirts
- Posters & flyers
- Event decals and stickers
- Social media graphics
- Website and ticketing page banners
- Digital advertisements and digital banners
Each deliverable featured playful shapes, dynamic layouts, and typography chosen to appeal to both children and adults—making the brand memorable, and unmistakably family-friendly. Together, these assets created a consistent visual journey from initial promotion to race day.
Evolving Tradition Through Flexible Design
The Foster the Future 5K brand was built to last—and to grow. We developed a flexible system that allowed for visual refreshes every other year while maintaining familiarity and alignment with district branding. This balance between consistency and creativity ensures that each year’s design feels new and engaging while still reinforcing the identity that returning families recognize. It also makes space for unique event themes to shine within a unified framework, helping the brand remain fresh without losing its connection to the tradition it represents. That cohesion prompted an increase in funding and sponsorships, bringing over 230 participants annually to raise more than $19,000 for charitable causes.
A Cohesive Look from Start to Finish Line
This family-oriented event brings together students, families, and staff for a day of fun, fitness, and fundraising—a prime opportunity for the district to connect with its community. Our goal was to capture the heart of that experience in every visual element: inclusive, vibrant, and full of energy. With a strong yet adaptable brand system, CEL helped create event branding that continues to grow in spirit, participation, and impact—year after year.
