Campfire’s Benn Marine Receives Inaugural Kevin Fahrman Award for Community Impact

On June 5th, our team had the privilege of attending the 2025 Broderson Awards, hosted by MADE (Maine Ad & Design) at UNE's Innovation Hall in Portland. The Brodersons, often referred to as Maine's version of the advertising Oscars, recognize the boldest, most creative work from across the state—and the people who make it happen.

This year marked the introduction of a brand new honor: the Kevin Fahrman Award for Volunteerism and Community Impact. We are beyond proud to share that our very own Director of Impact, Benn Marine, was selected as the inaugural recipient.

The award celebrates the legacy of Kevin Fahrman, who many knew as Portland's “Valentine's Day Bandit." For more than four decades, Kevin anonymously adorned our city with red paper hearts every February 14th—a quiet, consistent act of love for community that reminded us we are seen, we are loved, and we belong.

In his acceptance speech, Benn reflected on the impact those hearts had on him personally, and the inspiration he draws from Kevin's legacy of kindness. “We all have the power to ripple out," Benn shared, encouraging the room full of creatives to recognize that our influence doesn't stop at media KPIs. Benn later shared “Every time we choose kindness, practice gratitude, or tell someone they matter, we help shape a culture of care."

He also thanked his brother and Campfire’s Founder, Chris Marine, for using business as a vehicle for good, and the Campfire team for continuing to show up with heart in everything we do.

This moment was more than an award. It was a reminder that creative work and the media that delivers it, doesn't just reflect the world—it shapes it. And that when we root that work in love, justice, and collective care, the ripple effects go far beyond any one campaign.

Congratulations, Benn. We couldn't be prouder to be on this journey with you.

You can watch the full 7min award presentation with Benn’s speech below.