How Tree9 Captured the Spirit of the Gateway Experience
September 25, 2025
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March 6, 2026Traditional awards presentations are often stacked back-to-back. Names are read, applause happens, and the program moves on. Awards films add meaning to nonprofit galas and awards ceremonies by creating a shared moment where everyone in the room is focused on the same story — and understands why both the honoree and the mission matter.
They allow the audience to fully understand why someone is being honored — and why the mission behind the work matters.
For organizations planning fundraising events, donor celebrations, or recognition ceremonies, awards films help provide context that deepens connection and reinforces the impact being recognized.
Most honorees have long resumes, deep histories, and meaningful contributions that can’t be summarized in a paragraph. Awards films translate that impact into something accessible and human.
This is especially valuable at nonprofit galas, where guests may be encountering the organization for the first time.
Take a look at some of our nonprofit work.
The best awards films celebrate the individual – and the community
The strongest awards films do two things at once: they honor the individual being recognized while reinforcing the values and culture of the organization behind the work.
In that way, the film isn’t just about one person. The honoree becomes a living example of what the organization stands for. This dual focus helps recognition feel inclusive and invites viewers to see how they, too, might be part of the mission.
They extend the life of the gala
Unlike many elements of an event, awards films created for galas and award ceremonies continue to serve the organization long after the night ends.
They become assets that can extend your event messaging across digital platforms, newsletters, social channels, and fundraising appeals.
They can be:
- shared with honorees and their families
- included in newsletters or on social media
- used to introduce new supporters to the organization’s values
Well beyond the event itself, these films continue to reinforce the story of the work and the people who make it possible.
If your organization is looking for meaningful ways to recognize the people behind your mission, awards films can be a powerful place to start. Reach out today for more information.
Examples from Recent Awards Films
When Girls on the Run St. Louis approached us in 2021 to create a series of films celebrating the donors and volunteers who make their work possible, we knew the films needed to reflect the same energy, movement, and sense of community at the heart of their mission.
Since then, we’ve continued our collaboration year after year, creating films for their annual galas that celebrate individual contributions while reinforcing the values and culture the organization is known for. This film was created to celebrate their partnership with the Gateway Arch Park Foundation.
The Power of Accessibility: Why We Include Captions
At a crowded gala or a noisy luncheon, audio shouldn’t be a barrier to your message. For the Girls on the Run St. Louis award film, we integrated high-visibility captions to ensure every donor – regardless of where they are sitting or their hearing ability – can fully engage with the story.
Beyond the event, captioned videos perform better on social media, where 80% of viewers watch with the sound off. It’s a small detail that makes a massive impact on your reach and inclusivity.
Each year, Congregation Shaare Emeth celebrates outstanding members of its community at the annual Heart & Soul Gala. Over the years, we’ve had the privilege of creating short award films for honorees, highlighting the incredible accomplishments of their congregants.
By weaving together personal testimonials with cinematic b-roll, we ensured that Debbie and Mike Lefton’s lifelong commitment to the St. Louis community felt both intimate and monumental on the big screen.
