OKC Ad Club Creates Fontana Humor Award
The OKC Chapter of the American Advertising Federation paid a loving and respectful tribute to local actor, writer, producer Jef Fontana, with the presentation of a memorial tribute video celebrating Fontana's commercial
contributions to the OKC Advertising Community and the creation of a special namesake award. The first annual "Jef Fontana Best Use of Humor Award" was presented to Jordan Associates for an MG Novelty :60 radio commercial, titled, "Ain't Done Nothing."  Ironically, Fontana was a featured voice talent on the spot, along with the comic voice over talents of MAGNA Actors, Rebecca McCauley and Chris Freihofer. 

Bob Hammack, of New West Advertising, spearheaded creation of the memorial honor, and edited the special video, which was received with a standing ovation immediately following the showing.  Hammack spent hours rounding up Fontana's video and film archives, reviewing the plethora of material, and agonizing over which hilarious moments to include.  Hammack unveiled the new Best Use of Humor Award and invited Fontana's wife, Michelle De Long, on stage to present the first annual Jef Fontana award. 

De Long thanked the OKC Chapter membership and the entire OKC ad community.  She cited one of her favorite memories with Jef as the 1993 Addy Awards, when Jef was awarded "Best of Show" for his BMI "Copy Talk" radio campaign. DeLong described the win as a total surprise, and added, "This community of creative individuals and so many close friends recognized Jef's talents then -- not only as a performer, but also as an extremely talented copywriter and producer -- and when the award was announced [in 1993], you awarded him with applause, hoots, hollers and a standing ovation that night too." 

Before leaving the stage, De Long concluded, "To be able to earn your living doing what you love, with people you love and enjoy, is truly a great gift. Jef and I have been very lucky and privileged."