The Challenge:
Every summer, Indiana Donor Network hosts its annual Donor Family Picnic, bringing together the families of organ, tissue, and eye donors for a day of connection, remembrance, and celebration.
Last year, Indiana Donor Network introduced an interactive mural printed on vinyl. Originally intended as a giant coloring page, the mural quickly became something more: alongside colorful drawings, families began writing heartfelt messages to their donor heroes, turning the display into a shared tribute.
Indiana Donor Network wanted to make the display a tradition at future community events so more families would have the opportunity to participate. “The mural needed to invite participation through coloring while reflecting the organization’s mission and fostering a welcoming, shared experience,” explained Evan Backstrom, Senior Creative Specialist at Indiana Donor Network.
But reprinting a large vinyl display for every event wasn’t practical long-term. They needed a solution that could deliver the same experience while being both reusable and sustainable.
The Solution:
Instead of starting from scratch, Customer Service Manager Shawn Quick-Raflik looked at an existing event solution with fresh eyes. She suggested adapting a trade show-style pop-up fabric display, typically used for branded graphics and booth backdrops, into a washable, interactive mural.
The machine-washable fabric attaches to the expanding frame with Velcro, creating a display that was simple enough to set up in minutes and sturdy enough for little artists. To make sure the material could stand up to each new event, Shawn ordered a sample of the fabric and tested it with washable markers. The test worked exactly as planned, confirming the display could be refreshed between events without compromising the experience.
What started as a one-time activation is now a tradition Indiana Donor Network can bring to future gatherings. At every event, attendees can share their artwork and tributes to create a mural that’s never the same twice – and each new version reflects the unique contributions and legacies of the donor heroes who gave the gift of life.
