Proof Publicity is proud to celebrate multiple wins at the 2025 PRSA Phoenix Copper Anvil Awards, recognizing the agency’s excellence in creative, community-driven public relations campaigns that deliver measurable impact.
The annual awards ceremony, hosted by the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) Phoenix Chapter at Peoria Sports Complex, brought together nearly 200 of the Valley’s top communications professionals to honor outstanding achievements across the industry.
Proof Publicity took home top honors in three categories, including a Copper Anvil Award for Community Relations and two Awards of Merit for Corporate Social Responsibility and External Communications.
Leading the Night: Lisa K. Sass, Copper Anvils Chair
Proof Publicity’s Integrated Communications Manager, Lisa K. Sass, served as this year’s Copper Anvils Chair, leading planning for the event and officially kicking off the evening’s celebration. As Immediate Past President of PRSA Phoenix, Lisa helped design an experience that celebrated not only the year’s winning campaigns but also the heart and strategy that drive the Valley’s PR and communications professionals.
“Earning a Copper Anvil award is a milestone for any PR professional,” said Lisa. “This recognition not only reflects the measurable impact of their work, but also the dedication, innovation, and heart that define our industry.”
Copper Anvil Award: Roman Empire x Arizona Diamondbacks Sensory Room
Proof earned a Copper Anvil Award in the Community Relations category for its work with Roman Empire Agency and the Arizona Diamondbacks to launch the team’s first-ever sensory room at Chase Field, the first in Major League Baseball to be staffed by on-site behavioral health professionals.
Timed with Autism Awareness Month, the initiative helped create an inclusive space for neurodiverse fans and their families while generating widespread local and national media coverage. Proof facilitated the partnership, led all communications strategy, and coordinated bilingual outreach, resulting in more than 20 media placements, including Sports Illustrated, MLB.com, and Sports Business Journal, as well as features on Univision and Telemundo.
The project also ensured long-term sustainability of inclusive fan programming.
Award of Merit: Stop Our Stigma x Birdcall Firefighter Calendar
Proof’s Corporate Social Responsibility campaign for Birdcall and Stop Our Stigma earned an Award of Merit for its creative approach to mental health awareness and community engagement.
The campaign featured a playful yet meaningful 2025 Firefighter Calendar, pairing Birdcall’s family-friendly brand with Stop Our Stigma’s mission to support suicide prevention among Arizona’s first responders. Proof developed the concept in partnership with Birdcall, coordinated the Mesa Fire Department photoshoot, and executed targeted media and influencer outreach, ultimately raising $1,540 for suicide prevention resources and securing 13 media placements across Arizona.
Award of Merit: Sonora West Development’s Serene Launch
In the External Communications category, Proof earned another Award of Merit for the successful launch of Serene, a luxury semi-custom home community by Sonora West Development in North Scottsdale.
Through a strategic mix of media outreach, milestone storytelling, and national syndication via PR Newswire, Proof secured 20 earned media placements in just three months, tripling original goals and positioning Serene as the premier semi-custom development in North Scottsdale.
The campaign’s success led to Proof being retained as Sonora West’s ongoing PR and social media partner, further cementing the agency’s expertise in real estate communications.
From planning the event to standing on stage as a multi-award-winning agency, the 2025 Copper Anvils represented a milestone moment for the Proof team.
“These wins reflect the diversity and purpose of our work, from inclusive community partnerships to mental health awareness and luxury brand storytelling,” said Melissa DiGianfilippo, Founder and Proof Publicity. “We’re proud to collaborate with clients who share our values and trust us to tell their stories with creativity and integrity.”
The 2025 Copper Anvil Awards were more than a night of recognition; they were proof of what happens when strategy, purpose, and passion intersect. With gratitude for our clients and pride in our team, we’re raising the bar for what impactful public relations can achieve in Arizona and beyond.
