A child looking into a sports car became the opening to a larger story about curiosity, education, and the future of automotive heritage.

The challenge

America’s Automotive Trust brings together a museum, restoration education, and enthusiast communities. Hired as a digital communications contractor, I was tasked with developing the year-end appeal that needed to connect their wide range of activity to a shared purpose and give supporters a reason to contribute.

The narrative

I opened with a small human moment: a child looking into a sports car (and included the photo that I took). I organized the year’s initiatives around curiosity, cultivation, and stewardship. The closing returned to the experience of looking through a car window and linked that sense of possibility to the request for a year-end gift.

From story to email

I crafted the narrative, selected the initiatives and events to highlight, shot photography, and designed the email. The pictures bring people into the story through a young museum visitor, hands-on learning, and a community gathered around a car.

A recurring channel

I also instituted En Route as a monthly AAT email where no regular newsletter previously existed. The October 2025 issue, linked below, brings together a lead story, updates from the Trust’s member organizations, and opportunities to participate through events, membership, and support. I developed this formula for the Trust, which remains in use.