As California first responders continue to battle the deadliest wildfire in the state’s history, OAAA member Stott Outdoor Advertising confirmed nine employers have lost their homes.

According to Stott General Manager Jim Moravec, “The majority of these are frontline employees, hourly employees posting and maintaining our structures.”

Soon after learning about the “Stott 9,” the OOH industry united to support those displaced. A GoFundMe account was established to raise funds, and digital billboards encouraged donations. In days, more than 100 people have contributed  $30,000.

Digital billboards are also carrying messages of hope and support for all those affected by the fires in California.

The OOH industry often reacts to timely events, recognizing local or national affairs and uniting communities in which it serves.

Other recent examples include:

Stan Lee

The passing of comic book icon Stan Lee has been mourned by super hero fans around the world. To honor his work and legacy, digital billboards displayed messages of remembrance.

Veterans Day

Each year, OAAA and the OOH industry honor those who served in the Armed Forces on Veterans Day. This year, images of military service ribbons adorned digital OOH faces across the country. ABC 13 in Michigan covered the story.

Major Brent Taylor

On November 3, Major Brent Taylor was killed while serving in Afghanistan. Taylor, who also served as mayor of North Ogden, UT, left behind a wife, seven children, and a community that came together to mourn his death and honor his service. Digital billboards in Utah paid tribute to his memory.

Vote

To encourage citizens to hit the polls in the recent election, Vote.org launched a billboard campaign to speak to specific communities. The non-partisan organization communicated its message on 2,500 OOH formats, targeted to areas with strong registration but weak turnout.

In an interview with Roll Call, Vote.org CEO Debra Cleaver recalled coming up with the idea while reading an ad at a San Francisco bus stop.

Jewish Community Support

In August, when a synagogue in Carmel, IN, was vandalized with anti-Semitic graffiti, 12 digital billboards across central Indiana expressed community support. Three OOH media companies united to share a message of “LOVE” featuring the Star of David. The local news covered the story.

Following the synagogue shooting in Pittsburgh last month, in which 11 congregates were killed, the local OOH industry quickly posted messages of support, reminding community members together they are “Stronger Than Hate.”

Father’s Day

On Father’s Day this year, digital billboards in Oklahoma City celebrated all fathers in the area with “dad jokes” published throughout the day.

More examples of how OOH connects with and unites communities can be seen in OAAA’s latest video “OOH Connects Communities.”