(NASHVILLE, TN) July 9, 2026 — 5by5, an employee-owned, award-winning marketing agency, announced today that it has won five Telly’s at the record-breaking 47th Annual Telly Awards. The Nashville, Tennessee headquartered-agency was recognized across several categories for its development and work on “It’s About Time,” a capital campaign developed for the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) to build a world-class home for the institution’s cancer-related care and research programs.
The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks and production companies. This year, more than 13,000 entries were received and 5by5 joined winners such as Paramount TV, Warner Brothers Discovery, FOX Entertainment, MoMA, Mayo Clinic, Sony Music, TED, Harvard Business School and more. 5by5’s Telly’s include:
- Silver Telly: Promotional Video, Hospital Category
- Silver Telly: Promotional Video, Fundraising & Appeals Category
- Silver Telly: Promotional Video, Not-for-Profit Category
- Silver Telly: Regional TV, Not-for-Profit Category
- Bronze Telly: Regional TV, Public Interest & Awareness Category
5by5 Agency President, Josh Miller
“This recognition means the world to our team, but it also symbolizes the changemaker work, stories and organizations that we’re passionate about amplifying,” said 5by5 President, Josh Miller. “When we have the opportunity to help a client like UMMC tell a story this important—one that’s focused on expanding cancer care and saving lives—that’s why we do what we do. These Telly wins are just as much UMMC’s as they are ours.”
The “It’s About Time” campaign was built to address a stark reality: Mississippi has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the country, with many patients required to travel out of state for treatment. UMMC’s goal was to establish a new Cancer Center and Research Institute that provides advanced care for Mississippians right at home. In order to do so, a campaign aimed at mobilizing significant philanthropic investment and statewide support was needed.
UMMC tapped 5by5 to lead a research-driven strategy process from the ground up, delivering market research, campaign strategy and messaging, commercial video and photography, website design and digital advertising—all culminating in “It’s About Time.” The campaign and commercials featured narration by Morgan Freeman, a Mississippi native and cancer survivor, giving the story emotional power that resonated across the state. To date, the campaign has raised over $100 million toward its $125 million goal and has resulted in the largest single gift in UMMC history—a $25 million donation—along with major gifts secured from regional foundations and healthcare supporters.
“This recognition is so special for our team,” said UMMC Executive Director of Development and Alumni Engagement, Meredith Aldridge. “We believe every Mississippian should be able to access life-saving care and therapies without having to leave the state. When we set out to build a new, state-of-the-art Cancer Center and Research Institute, we knew it needed a high-quality awareness and promotion campaign. This award confirms we got what we were looking for.”
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About 5by5
Part of the rapidly-growing 3LS family of employee-owned Changemaker companies, 5by5 is an award-winning marketing agency based in Nashville, TN. Born from one simple but heartfelt belief—organizations driven by change deserve access to the best marketing strategies, tools and implementation available anywhere. Some of the change maker clients it serves include Williamson Health, Tennessee Department of Health, Show Hope, Medi-Share, WIN Warehouse, Oakworth Capital Bank, charity:water and more. Visit 5by5agency.com to learn more.
About 3LS
3LS, Inc. is a rapidly-growing family of 26 employee-owned Changemaker companies, with nearly 1,400 employees across the country, unified in their mission to empower good. With roots in health and human services, today 3LS invests in quality child welfare and behavioral healthcare services, transformative technology, and exceptional professional services—driving growth and impact for similar changemaker organizations and generational opportunity for its employee owners. Visit www.3ls.com to learn more.
