Creating an event identity and materials to support children’s mental health care

CLIENT
Children's Crisis Treatment Center

LOCATION
Philadelphia, PA

A circular emblem with a central orange star reads "23rd Annual CCTC Roundup." It's bordered with mint floral accents on a cream background.

BACKGROUND

For more than 50 years, Children’s Crisis Treatment Center (CCTC) has passionately served the mental and behavioral health needs of children and families across the Philadelphia region. Through early intervention and comprehensive support, CCTC helps children impacted by abuse, neglect, and developmental challenges reach their full potential.

The Roundup is one of CCTC’s two signature fundraising events. Established in 1996, the western-themed celebration has grown into one of Philadelphia’s most anticipated annual fundraisers, drawing dedicated supporters, corporate partners, and community leaders. Proceeds directly support CCTC’s critical services and ongoing mission.

Year over year, we have partnered with CCTC to deliver unique event branding.

Challenge

Reimagine a longstanding western theme in a way that feels fresh, elevated, and distinct from years past.


Solution

A bold “cowboy deco” visual direction that blends western motifs with graphic refinement.


Results

A distinctive event identity that energized supporters while honoring the Roundup’s legacy.

A tri-fold invitation for CCTC's Roundup event. The cover features navy blue illustrations of a horse and cactus against a desert backdrop with "Roundup" on top in bold orange letters. An open flap reveals a list of sponsors on a mint background.

“We have always found CWP to be professional, reliable, and exceptional designers.

We have worked with Corey and her team on a range of design concepts, marketing materials and publications. She and her team are consistently able to transform our vision into a reality that’s even better than we could have imagined. We get so many compliments on CWP’s designs but what’s really a testament to their talent is that other graphic designers are always admiring their work as well.”

— JAIME PEARLSTINE, Director of Marketing & Communications, Children’s Crisis Treatment Center

Table card with '23rd Annual Roundup' text and large orange '19' at center. Decorative foliage accents border the card on cream background.

THE OBJECTIVE

Create a visual identity worthy of a signature Philadelphia fundraiser

The Roundup has a rich history and loyal following. The goal was to introduce a strong, cohesive design system that elevated the event experience while remaining distinctly western. Because the theme continues year after year, the identity needed to feel new and compelling without abandoning the spirit guests have come to expect. The system also had to translate across invitations, signage, digital promotions, auction materials, and event décor—supporting both fundraising goals and brand awareness for CCTC.

Dinner menu on off-white card with orange decorative text, placed on a white plate atop a beige napkin. Green leaves placed next to the menu add a fresh touch.

DESIGN SOLUTION

Western tradition meets graphic structure

From the initial design audit, the client gravitated toward a direction featuring a strong central focal point, decorative framing elements, and graphic texture. We evolved that inspiration into a refined concept anchored by a central horse illustration, replacing the more literal imagery from reference materials while preserving the dramatic presence of a hero image. To keep the western theme feeling sophisticated rather than rustic, we layered in art deco-inspired structure: clean lines, symmetrical framing, halftone textures, and stylized florals that maintained a western sensibility. The resulting “cowboy deco” aesthetic blended grit and polish, nostalgia and sophistication. A bolder color palette amplified the impact, ensuring the event felt vibrant and celebratory while standing apart from prior years’ materials.

Framed banner on a wall showcasing CCTC's Roundup event. Features an illustrated horse in a desert scene, event details in bold text, and a vintage style.
Text on a dark teal background reads: "A fresh take on a beloved tradition."

COLOR PALETTE

Forrest Green

Orange

Yellow

Mint

Cream

CCTC's Roundup trifold invitation open on a beige background. Left side shows a red section with mission statement. Center lists board and committee names. Right side shows a western-themed "Roundup" design with a horse.
A stationery set for CCTC's Roundup event with a western theme includes a beige folder featuring a horse illustration, an orange envelope, and a matching pen on a gray background.
A phone displays an Instagram post for CCTC's Roundup. The post features "Roundup" in bold orange text with event details on top of a beige background.

CHALLENGES & ACCOMMODATIONS

Keeping a familiar theme from feeling repetitive

Because the Roundup returns each year with a western dress code and aesthetic, the design must walk a fine line. It needs to feel recognizably on-theme—boots, hats, horses, and heritage—while avoiding visual fatigue for long-time attendees. The challenge was introducing enough graphic structure and boldness to create distinction, without straying so far that the event lost its identity.

Multiple copies of CCTC's Roundup trifold invitation rests on a light gray background. The invitation shows a central panel with event information. The left and right panels list sponsors on mint green backgrounds.
Multiple copies of CCTC's Roundup trifold invitation rests on a light gray background. The invitation shows a central panel with event information. The left and right panels list sponsors on mint green backgrounds.

OUTCOMES

An elevated experience with renewed energy

The final identity gave CCTC a cohesive visual system for one of its most important fundraising events. The refreshed look generated excitement, supported marketing efforts, and reinforced the significance of the Roundup within Philadelphia’s philanthropic community. Most importantly, it helped spotlight the mission behind the celebration—ensuring the focus remained on supporting children and families across the region.

Cover for CCTC's Roundup program book. It features "Roundup" in bold orange letters, a central illustration of a horse in a dessert setting, and event information below. The program is being held with a blurred table setting in the background.
Beige tote bag with "CCTC's 23rd Annual Roundup" text encircling a vintage horse and cactus scene.
Yellow digital slide for CCTC's Roundup event features decorative blue floral corners, centered logo, and bold letters reading "Thank You to Our Sponsors."
Previous
Previous

Believe in Brookline Kids

Next
Next

Countdown to a Cure