IWhen an untimely death claimed the life of Rick Richter, a talented artist and graphic designer, a group of friends joined to create a unique organization that would give troubled professionals hope.

Rick’s Place was founded in 1998 by advertising industry professionals to help colleagues in the advertising, marketing and graphic professions head-off career crises. Supporters say the need is particularly keen now. Budget and staff cutbacks at Kansas City-area companies continue to disrupt an already shaky design and marketing communications community, leaving talented professionals looking for jobs.

"Our industry has been one of great change. Major changes in technology, among other things, have made some cracks in the floor and people fall into those holes. Whole industries are gone," says Landa Williams, president of Rick’s Place Foundation. Williams once made her living as a and typographer, now a non-existing profession.

The not-for-profit charitable organization acts as a safety net to catch those people. Hundreds have already been helped. Rick’s Place has evolved from that first small group of friends to include board members, mentors and volunteers to help colleagues faced with personal and professional challenges. Low-cost seminars and workshops teach them new skills. Rick’s Place provides counseling referrals and short-term financial assistance to families in need, as well as scholarships, networking, job search assistance and mentoring.


"People working in these areas must work faster, smarter and harder to make a living and a profit," and they’ve had to do this without any help," Williams says. "Ad agencies that have accounts today may not have them tomorrow.

The mentoring program was set up to help the veterans, not the beginners, who already expect some struggles. To get assistance, applicants must have a minimum of three years of experience and be a non-union employee. Karl Yehle, former ad agency owner and Avila College professor, is the leading mentor this year.

Williams notes that the program gives younger and older professionals alike a great opportunity by having close contact with a mentor. For example, a 20-year veteran has business experience to offer a five-year designer, who in turn may have experience with new technologies.

To fund the programs, Rick’s Place raises money through annual art auctions and contributions. Just last month, The Cube Art Gallery donated all proceeds from one of its showings. The Friendship House also has
donated proceeds.

The Rick’s Place Annual Bounce Back Ball, held last month at the Uptown Theater, is the main event for fundraising. It’s becoming one of the city’s premier showcases for high-quality art at reasonable prices. The artwork, donated by Kansas City artists, includes traditional art, photography, sculpture,

jewelry and other three-dimensional items. Regular contributors include oil painter Mike Savage, portrait artist John Martin and cartoonist Charlie Podrebarac.

New to this year’s event was the Keith Coldsnow Juried Art Competition. Artists who contribute original work created for the Bounce Back art auction will have an opportunity to compete for the achievement award named in honor of Coldsnow, which is a major supporter of the fine arts, both as a benefactor and as an active volunteer in arts-related events and causes.

For more information, go to www.ricksplace.org