Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation

Narragansett, RI

Project Details

• Company: Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation
• Industry: Not-for-profit
• Responsibilities: Design, XHTML and CSS page builds, Flash
• Launched: March 12, 2010
• View This Project: www.torilynnfoundation.org

Project Summary

This site was designed and developed by Envision Technology Advisors for a Rhode Island-based organization that, through its five arms, educates young people about good decision-making, informs the community about ways it can make a difference, promotes legislation that improves highway safety, draws awareness to traumatic brain injury, and supports families dealing with tragedy.

On her way home from school on March 26, 2003, 12-year old Tori Lynn Andreozzi was involved in a hit-and-run accident with a drunk driver. On that day, the lives of Tori and her family were irrevocably changed, but those who love her most searched for a way to let Tori keep doing what was most important to her – helping others. Out of this desire, the Tori Lynn Andreozzi Foundation was born so that in some way, Tori could continue to make a positive difference in the world.

I met Tori's mother, Cathy Andreozzi, in 2009 when she came to Envision looking for a Web site. The Foundation was doing great work in the community and was routinely asked about its Web site. Unfortunately, they had none, so much of the great work they were doing and the press they had received was not collected in one central location. Envision worked to fix that by giving the Foundation a great new site to help this organization further its worthwhile mission.

I love all the work I do and enjoy working with all my clients, but this particular project was one that will always hold a special place in my heart. Being the father of two young children myself, it was emotional at times to hear Cathy tell her story, but it was also amazing to see her strength and look at what she and Tori have accomplished through the Foundation. Drawing from that strength and wanting to do whatever I could to help the Foundation make a difference and change some lives in a positive way, I really threw everything I had, both creatively and emotionally, into this project. I couldn't be happier with the result.

I was responsible for the entire design of the site, including the Flash movie on the homepage. To reinforce the concepts of transformation, I chose to use butterflies as a large part of my design direction. This also worked well as part of the 'consequences of your actions' idea that the organization promotes at many events via the 'butterfly effect' concept. Additionally, from what Cathy said when she first saw this design, Tori has always loved butterflies. For me, that alone was reason enough to use them in the design.

One little touch that I am particularly fond of in the homepage's Flash is the butterfly that flies in during the animation sequence. Once it is in place, you can hover over the butterfly and it flutters every time you make contact. A small thing, for sure, but something that makes me happy every time I see it.

In addition to the design of the site and the Flash work, I also built the XHTML and CSS pages before turning the project over to other Envision team members who integrated a blog and added various media elements to the site where appropriate.

You can see the new site, and find ways to get involved in the work the Foundation is doing, at www.torilynnfoundation.org