We send a big “THANKS!” to RightNow Technologies for the wonderful opportunities and look forward to more global production this coming year.

Each Christmas, Stonies “adopt” several families through a local charity and purchase gifts for them.  This year, the tradition continued as we worked with LaGrange Bible Church to identify 3 families in need.  One Smooth Stone employees made donations, which the company matched.  Staff then set out in teams to Kohl’s Department Store, returning with a variety of gifts for each family member to be wrapped and delivered.  We  had a great time playing “Santa” as evidenced by the slideshow above. Shout out to Kohl’s; staff who were patient and extremely helpful, ensuring that our donations went a LONG way!

Happy Holidays!

Special recognition goes out to all the people who made this photograph possible:  producer – Ken Haller of One Smooth Stone, photographer – Charles Hendrickson, floral – John Rent of Into the Woods, linen – JoAnne Brown of Celebrations  and our valued client – Denean Perry of BMC Software.

You’ve made it to our blog!  Now check out the rest of our site.  From our amply-populated event map to our creative staff photos, OneSmoothStone.com has plenty of information for anyone looking to learn more.  Enjoy!

The majority of our projects have a common goal: helping our clients drive home an important message.  When recently approached to assist with the planning and execution of a client’s “Office Olympics”, we were happy to drive home the most important message of all:  Enjoy those you work with, and HAVE FUN!!

With just over a week to deliver, the Olympics arrived quickly and came filled with adrenaline-pumping events.  From Human Bowling to Human Curling participants will never again utter the phrase “just another day at the office”.  (See photos above for the amazing ice-block seats.)

Forewarned that this was not the day to “dress for success”, employees arrived dressed for a mess and left covered in head-to-toe whipping cream from the pie-tossing activity.  Food, friends and frivolity — this event came complete with all the ingredients for a good time.  And we had a GREAT time delivering it!

Fun fact:  In a highly scientific research experiment conducted before the event, it was determined that Cool-Whip beats Redi-Whip as the best ingredient for pie-throwing.  Not only is it more cost-effective, but it is also more dense and easier to aim.

This month’s “Chefs for Charity” lunch was whipped up by company newbie, Blake DeYoung.  It is a monthly tradition in the One Smooth Stone kitchen that an employee makes lunch for the staff, and donations are made to the charity of the chef’s choice.  This month Blake chose Kids Alive to benefit from employee donations and One Smooth Stone’s matching contribution.

Kids Alive is an organization of orphanages impacting Africa, Asia, Latin America, the Middle East and the Pacific Islands.  The orphanages do not allow the children who live there to be adopted, but raise them to be leaders and model citizens within their own community.  Just over a year ago, Blake’s wife, Brooke, visited their Ark Constanza Children’s Home in the Dominican Republic.  The DeYoungs now support Ishmael, who won her heart. .

Often touting his excellent culinary abilities, Blake more than proved himself with a delectable menu.  Co-workers were treated to blackened chicken, pasta alfredo with roasted pepper and sun-dried tomato sides, as well as a salad starter.  For desert, Blake’s grandmother provided chocolate-peanut butter and vanilla-peanut butter pies.  Both were absolutely unforgettable!

If you would like to learn more about Kids Alive or donate to this cause, visit their website at:  http://www.kidsalive.org/.