Cartoon character introduced to represent FORK

According to a press release, Feed Our Rural Kids has introduced FORKY, a cartoon character designed to represent the organization in its social media and print messaging.

“The process to find just the right image was long and arduous, with many other AI-generated characters having been considered for the job,” FORK President Perry Pokrandt said.

The concept of using an AI-generated image was proposed by board member Ben Rabenn, citing marketing research that suggests people are more likely to remember messages delivered through distinctive characters. Such characters, the release notes, can foster familiarity and trust and help carry messaging across multiple platforms as an organization evolves.

“We are excited to have FORKY on our team, he is articulate, ageless, and most importantly kid friendly,” Rabenn said. “Using a cartoon character like FORKY offers our organization significant advantages, primarily enhanced brand recognition, emotional connection and messaging versatility.”

The image accompanying the release shows FORKY holding a carton of chocolate milk, created to help promote Feed Our Rural Kids’ November chocolate milk giveaway at the Northwoods Children’s Museum. The promotion coincides with the expansion of the FORK Pantry at the museum.

According to the release, FORKY will appear on the organization’s Facebook page and in future editions of The Northwoods River News. Additional uses are planned.

More information is available at FeedOurRuralKids.org..

Feed Our Rural Kids is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.