OMAHA, NE--(Marketwired - Sep 18, 2013) - Mutual of Omaha, proud sponsor of life's aha moments(SM), has announced the top finalists in its advertising campaign to determine the star of the insurance company's new commercial to be released next spring. The campaign built around the stories of everyday Americans has grown into a widely popular tour each summer that relies on social media and local media to uncover stories of real people with life-changing aha moments.
"This summer's tour reminded us of how personally and emotionally people respond to these inspirational stories," said John Hildenbiddle, senior vice president of brand management and public relations at Mutual of Omaha. "This is the 4th year we've gone on the road with the Aha Moment Tour because we want to share these inspiring moments with America, and give them the chance to decide whose story will appear on our next nationally televised advertising campaign."
From the nearly 1000 moments recorded in 20 markets nationwide, Mutual of Omaha selected 20 semi-finalists. During the next two weeks, Mutual and its internal panel of judges will narrow the field to 10 finalists. One inspirational story will be selected through a combination of Mutual of Omaha's panel and online voting, which begins on Sept. 30 at www.ahamoment.com/vote. The winning spot will be included in Mutual of Omaha's broadcast advertising campaign in Spring 2014.
This year's tour kicked off in Sacramento, Calif. on May 6 and visited 20 cities in 20 states through early August. Along the way, locals were given their shot at 30-seconds of fame as they lined up to share their personal aha moments in an Airstream trailer serving as a mobile television studio. Nearly 1,000 aha moments were recorded along the tour. All of the interviews can be viewed at www.mutualofomaha.com/aha.
The 20 aha moment semi-finalists are as follows:
Sacramento, Calif. - Jennifer
After surviving domestic violence, Jennifer realized that being true to herself and living the life she desired to live was of most importance.
Carson City, Nev. - Cindy
Cindy's battle with breast cancer allowed her to find passion and purpose in a way she had never experienced it before.
Santa Fe, New Mexico - Victoria
After seeing her son with Down Syndrome achieve great things, Victoria learned she can never put limitations on anyone else.
Amarillo, Texas - Joni
Joni healed from the death of her mother by opening a bakery to share food and life stories with others.
Shreveport, Louis. - Cookie
Cookie started a community garden at the recreation center in Shreveport to bring youth and the community together.
Biloxi, Miss. - Carol Lynn
Carole Lynn saw the goodness of the human spirit by establishing a children's museum in memory of her daughter.
Pensacola, Fla. - Jay
When Jay's daughter was diagnosed with Down Syndrome, he learned how to embrace people that are different than him.
Montgomery, Ala. - LeNetta
Even when it seemed that all odds were against her, LeNetta stepped out in faith and established a life coaching business.
Columbus, Ga. - Warren
Warren retired from the corporate world and was inspired to start a local chapter of the Ferst Foundation for Literacy.
Raleigh-Durham, N.C. - Stew
Stew and his wife started Music for Hope, an organization that uses music to help children with life-threatening diseases.
Nashville, Tenn. - Tiffany
On a trip to Haiti in 2010, Tiffany discovered the importance of instilling value in others and was reminded that you cannot be broke when you are giving your life away.
Cincinnati, Ohio - Emily
Upon discovering that life is too short to do something she did not love, Emily opened a successful food truck and has enjoyed every day since.
Indianapolis, Ind. - Meggie
Inspired by a co-worker, Meggie started The Sussy Project to be purposeful in reminding others they are valued through small acts of kindness.
Topeka, Kan. - Jude
Working with the homeless taught Jude that treating others with dignity and respect goes further than charity or pity.
North Platte, Neb. - Tom
At the base of Table Mountain in South Africa, Tom realized that adventure should be seized and not be limited by one's own fears or doubts.
Fort Collins, Colo. - Katie
Though wheelchair-bound, horseback riding taught Katie that she could do much more than others expected of her.
Laramie, Wyo. - Renee
While on assignment with the Red Cross, Renee realized that by simply caring, she could make the world a better place.
Provo, Utah - John
John, a comedian, realized the value of laughter and the power it has to make a positive impact in others' lives.
Boise, Idaho - Joey
Working with kids taught Joey the power of listening to break through communication barriers.
Salem, Ore. - Lucy
Inspired by her own experiences as a child with the Rotary Club, Lucy embraced her responsibility to be involved in the lives of youth in her community.
Mutual of Omaha launched its sponsorship of life's aha moments in February 2009 and has captured almost 4,000 moments from people in cities all across the United States. Nearly 40 commercials have been produced and aired since the campaign's inception. For more information about the aha moment concept, visit http://www.mutualofomaha.com/aha.
About Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha, proud sponsor of life's aha moments(SM), is a full-service, multi-line organization providing insurance, banking and financial products for individuals, businesses and groups throughout the United States. For more information about Mutual of Omaha, visit www.mutualofomaha.com.
Contact Information:
Media Contact:
Hannah Springston
(678) 978-7787