The Challenge

Empath Health wasn’t just looking for a video, they needed a strategic partner. One who understood the stakes of telling a high-impact story to a donor audience. Like many regional nonprofits, they had grown fast, and now needed to deliver something that felt elevated, emotionally resonant, and boardroom-ready.

They found Vers by searching for nonprofit-focused video teams in Tampa Bay. Our past work stood out but it was the first conversation that sealed it. Their team told us they felt more seen and supported than they ever had with a creative agency. That clarity became the foundation for a partnership and for a story that would do more than inform. It would move people to give.

Their goal? Tell the story of Bill, a WWII veteran, and his daughter, Anne, to:

• Inspire donors to give at their Suncoast Hospice Foundation gala
  
  
• Educate attendees on the full scope of hospice care
  
  
• Create a long-term video asset for future campaigns
  
  

This was their first time outsourcing a gala video. What they needed was a team they could trust to lead the process end-to-end and deliver something that made their mission unmistakably clear.

“This story has the potential to change hearts and minds. People think of hospice as just the last days, but it’s about so much more.”
— Abby Watts, Marketing Team, Empath Health

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The Approach

1. Story-Driven Production

We took a documentary-style approach to capture the emotional depth of Bill’s story grounded in real moments, not just messaging. Our focus centered around three key themes:

• Bill’s journey as a WWII veteran and how he still serves fellow veterans
  
  
• The caregiver experience—how hospice supports loved ones, not just patients
  
  
• The broader impact of hospice care beyond end-of-life
  
  

2. On-Location Filming

We filmed in Bill’s home, capturing candid interviews and day-in-the-life moments with Anne. B-roll of their daily routines and family memorabilia helped visually reinforce the emotional core of their story.

“Bill and Anne welcomed us into their world and it was important to honor their story with the care it deserved.”
— Hannah Ramalho, Director of Operations, Vers Creative

3. Emotional Impact & Fundraising Focus

Every element of the video was crafted to build emotional connection with the gala audience—leading to a clear, compelling call to action. We layered music, archival photos, and testimonials to drive both depth and response.

At the event, the results were unforgettable: Bill received a standing ovation from the crowd.

“He had a wonderful time—and was treated like the VIP he is. He kept saying, ‘I’m a VIP!’ He watched the sunset on Clearwater Beach from a balcony and told me he hadn’t been there since 1970!”
— Abby Watts, Empath Health

The Outcome

• Gala Fundraising Impact: Over $250,000 raised in one night
  
  
• Post-Gala Engagement: Increased donor follow-up and email response rates
  
  
• Longevity: The video is now used for donor outreach, education, and ongoing campaigns
  
  

“We will continue to share this video, it’s a powerful tool that perfectly captures our mission.”
— Abby Watts, Empath Health

More Than Just a Video

At Vers Creative, we know it’s not just about compelling visuals—it’s about delivering outcomes you can stand behind.

Being entrusted with Bill’s story reminded us why this work matters. When we learned of his passing just one day after the gala, our whole team was deeply moved. We were in tears—but above all, we felt grateful to have helped celebrate a life so well lived.

This is what we bring to every project: storytelling that honors, strategy that performs, and execution you don’t have to micromanage. Because when the stakes are high, you shouldn’t have to carry it alone.

Telling Your Story with Confidence

Whether you're preparing for a major event, pitching to your board, or simply trying to show the real impact of your work, Vers is here to help you show up smart, clear, and mission-aligned.

We help nonprofit leaders like you create the kind of storytelling your board respects, your donors remember, and your staff rallies behind.

📩 Ready to make your next moment count? Let’s build something powerful together.

Let’s Chat →

A Heartfelt Thank You to Empath Health & Suncoast Hospice

We’re deeply grateful to Empath Health and Suncoast Hospice for trusting us with this story. Your work brings comfort, dignity, and compassion to so many—and we’re honored to have captured just a piece of that impact.

Thank you for inviting us into this journey. We’re proud to be your creative partner and look forward to the next chapter.