Cary, N.C., (March 30, 2010) — S&A Cherokee has been named a 2010 Communitas Award recipient for its 2009 Band Together NC communications campaign. The Communitas Award judges honored S&A Cherokee for its excellence in community service and corporate social responsibility.

The Communitas Awards is an international effort to recognize exceptional businesses, organizations and individuals that are unselfishly giving of themselves and their resources, and those that are changing how they do business to benefit their communities. The Communitas Awards is an outgrowth of the pro bono recognition program of the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals (AMCP).

"The Triangle is a thriving region in which to do business and it's a privilege to give back to this community," said Chuck Norman, executive vice president of S&A Cherokee. "Band Together is making a difference in a new charity's life every year and through our pro bono work, we get to be a part of something special."

S&A Cherokee performed all campaign work pro bono for Band Together NC, a nonprofit organization that uses musical events to raise funds and awareness for select Triangle charities. To increase sponsorship and ticket sales for a fundraising concert, S&A Cherokee built a comprehensive, 12-week communications plan comprised of the following: media relations, digital marketing, promotional messaging, collateral development and corporate branding, including the creation of socials to strengthen the organizations brand and broaden its reach.

Despite the tough economy, communications efforts helped create Band Together's most successful event to date, generating more than 2,700 attendees, 98 sponsorships and more than $140,000 in money raised.

"Our judges found that S&A Cherokee clearly exhibits the spirit of communitas, a Latin word meaning people coming together for the good of a community," said Ed Dalheim, AMCP's executive director. "S&A Cherokee joins other Communitas winners recognized for specific programs involving volunteerism, philanthropy or ethical, sustainable business practices."

Other 2010 Communitas Award recipients include American Airlines, AARP, Colonial Bank, Restaurant.com, and Nu Skin Enterprises. For more information about the Communitas Awards, visit www.communitaswards.com.