Why Refresh the Brand?
As we approach our 20th anniversary, we reflect with gratitude on how far we’ve come as an organization. Not many nonprofits reach a point in their development where reimagining their brand becomes necessary. The original Fred’s Footsteps logo, created in the early days of our journey, symbolized footprints in the sand, a powerful metaphor for resilience and support during challenging times. The footprints carried a biblical reference and the reminder that no one walks alone during times of need, but God carries you.
Why Now?
Over the past two decades, our organization has grown in its mission, reach, and impact. The digital landscape, the expectations of our supporters, and the design world have all evolved—and so have we. Our goal was to create a brand that honors our legacy while positioning us to connect with the next generation of supporters and families we serve.
Rooted in Legacy, Designed for Tomorrow
Reimagining our logo was not taken lightly. The foundation of our identity will always be Fred DiBona, the heart and soul of this organization. It’s from a place of deep respect and admiration for Fred’s legacy that we embraced this milestone as an opportunity to evolve.
The New Logo: A Reflection of Fred’s Spirit
Crafted by our long-time partners at Haeg Design, this new logo is hand-drawn and feels personal and organic. At its core, the design places the “F” for Fred’s in the sole of a shoe—symbolizing that Fred is in the very soul of our organization.
It’s simple and powerful, and, serendipitous…Unbeknownst to our design partners, the characteristic “F” they designed bared an uncanny resemblance to Fred’s signature “F”. When our Executive Director and Fred’s daughter, Christine DiBona Lobley, saw this logo for the first time, she couldn’t believe her eyes. She rushed to find an example in her archives. Comparing it to his signature, the similarity was unmistakable!
Looking Ahead
This refreshed logo celebrates where we’ve been, who we are, and where we’re headed. It is a visual reminder that while our look may evolve, our mission and the legacy of Fred remain constant. With gratitude for the past and hope for the future, we are proud to share this next chapter of Fred’s Footsteps with you.