Giving Back: Empowering Nonprofits Through GrandPR’s CreateAThon 

Feb 21, 2025

Synfinii—our brand since September 2025—was previously known as SalesPage.

Welcome to CreateAThon presentation with a person standing in front of it.

At SalesPage, we’re proud to spotlight our employees and the meaningful ways they give back. Two of our core values are impact and teamwork, and we believe in the power of our people to make a positive impact within their team and community. In this post, we’re featuring Ana Zapata (me!), a Marketing Coordinator at SalesPage, and my involvement with CreateAThon, a 24-hour marketing marathon hosted by GrandPR, Grand Valley State University’s student-run integrated communications firm. 

My Journey with GrandPR and CreateAThon 

I first joined GrandPR in the Fall of 2023 as an Account Associate, eager to gain hands-on experience in integrated communications and public relations. From the start, I was passionate about the work we were doing—helping clients who might not otherwise afford integrated communications services. As part of GrandPR, I worked on a team, collaborating directly with clients to achieve their goals. By the fall of 2024, I stepped into the role of Chief Operations Officer, where I had the opportunity to shape our initiatives and expand our impact. 

Person changing text on a whiteboard.

CreateAThon is an annual 24-hour marketing and communications marathon where student teams develop strategic solutions for nonprofits in need. As COO, I played a key role in planning and executing the event. Each year, we select a theme—with 2025 being community impact— and then find non-profits that need communications assistance or creation. We worked with five incredible nonprofits to diagnose their needs and create integrated communications solutions—from branding to social media strategies, and campaign materials.  

SalesPage’s Support: Aligning Values and Action 

Picture of a thank you sign for SalesPage

When planning this year’s CreateAThon, I immediately thought of SalesPage as a potential sponsor. The values of both SalesPage and GrandPR—teamwork, passion [impact], and innovation [ingenuity]—align perfectly, making this partnership a natural fit. 

SalesPage’s support was instrumental in making this event possible. Beyond sponsorship, it demonstrated the company’s commitment to fostering community engagement and professional growth. As a Marketing Coordinator at SalesPage, I’ve seen firsthand how our company’s values translate into meaningful action. Supporting CreateAThon wasn’t just about funding— it reinforced its dedication to fostering a culture of community engagement and professional development. 

The 24-Hour Marathon Experience 

The event kicked off at 9 AM on Friday, February 7. Teams met with their clients to better understand their challenges and refine creative briefs. I spent the morning assisting teams in shaping their strategies and offering direction as they started working on their projects. The energy of our teams was electric—full of creativity, collaboration, and purpose. 

Two students at CreateAThon

By afternoon, we took a much-needed break, decorating tote bags and unwinding with a spirited round of Just Dance before heading into the overnight portion of the event. After a visit from the Dean of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, teams settled in for a night of focused work, refining their deliverables and preparing for final presentations. 

At 7 AM Saturday, our teams presented their 24 hours of work to their clients. There were tears, happiness, and a lot of tired smiles. The presentations were a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved. It was incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact our efforts had on the clients and their organizations. 

CreateAThon presentation

Without the support of sponsors like SalesPage, CreateAThon wouldn’t have been possible. Their involvement helped fuel our efforts and make a meaningful difference for the nonprofits we served. More than just a marketing challenge, this event reinforced the power of collaboration, the importance of giving back, and the lasting impact that thoughtful strategy can have on a community. 

I’m proud to be part of a company that supports initiatives like CreateAThon and values the role we all play in making a difference. This journey has been unforgettable, and I’m eager to see how CreateAThon continues to evolve and inspire in the years to come. 

Synfinii’s core values drive our company forward.

Outside the office, the Synfinii team boasts an impressive track record of community involvement. Check out other posts featuring our team members and culture. 

Ana Zapata

Modern Marketing: Emerging professional creating impact through strategic initiatives.

About Synfinii

Synfinii partners with asset managers worldwide to enable data-driven distribution by mastering data, integrating intelligence, and building solutions that help achieve your business objectives. Excellence in client service, deep industry knowledge, technical strength, and extraordinary teamwork have defined us for over 40 years.

Synfinii—our brand since September 2025—was previously known as SalesPage.