HISTORY OF BAARC
The Bay Area Advertising Relief Committee (BAARC) began in 1984 as one man named Wally Brazeal and four friends who came to his aid when he needed them most. Upon hearing news of Wally’s illness and his exorbitant medical expenses, those four friends decided it was time the ad industry took care of its own. And so they formed BAARC.
Wally Brazeal had spent his career in the Bay Area as a broadcast sales rep and had made many good friends in the business. When the ad community heard of his need, support was immediate. A Board of Directors was formed and soon a fundraising effort was underway. Unfortunately, during the planning stages of the event, Wally’s wife, his primary caretaker, died unexpectedly.
This prompted even stronger resolve on the part of Wally’s friends. They called upon our media community, who generously responded by advertising and promoting the fundraising event. Although they were rewarded with an overwhelming turnout, sadly that very evening, Wally Brazeal passed away.
Continuing today with the same spirit of generosity and concern, BAARC is more prepared than ever to help members of the advertising community. BAARC volunteers have made a concerted effort to generate annual personal and corporate donations from all of the local communities. An even bigger challenge for us is to get word out to the people who could use BAARC’s services the most.
If you know of anyone in need, please let them know that BAARC is here to help.
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