St. Vinny’s Communications Manager, Katherine Higgins, knew what success looked like: a printed piece that celebrates volunteers, supporters, stores, and programs—the food pantry, free pharmacy, clothing and furniture vouchers, storage lockers, programs for the homeless and case‑management services. Each an important tile in the mosaic of support that defines the organization’s everyday impact. The book needed to honor the past, be honest about challenges, and stay true to the brand—without reading like a report. “There aren’t a ton of words in the book…it’s a visual story. It’s a lot of happy, smiling faces—memories and special moments over the past 10 decades,” she said.

From the outset, Katherine described the relationship with Team Thysse as an extension of their team—collaborative, detail‑minded, and calm under pressure. The trust mattered: the book would travel across channels—events and stores, excerpts shared in social posts and emails—it would be a centerpiece in St. Vinny’s year‑long celebration.

Thysse Designer Christian Stoltman led the editorial and design process. He began with hundreds of photos, news clippings, and documents that needed to be carefully curated and developed into a layout schema guided by St. Vincent de Paul’s brand standards. The challenge was delightful and difficult: distilling a century into a narrative that feels coherent, brand‑true, and easy to digest for readers who might not know the organization’s history. “Sorting through all of that history and narrowing it down to tell a story that honored the legacy was probably the biggest challenge—but rewarding and exciting,” Christian said.

Because the book doubles as a commemorative gift, material choices mattered. Working together, we previewed specialty paper options and finishes—in person and virtually—so the team could see, touch, and imagine the final piece. “Being able to touch and feel things is always so powerful,” Katherine said. These choices can truly elevate print outcomes, and it’s always a pleasure to be a part of a project early enough to share our experience and embellishment know-how.

The book now anchors centennial gatherings as a gift guests take home. It's a keepsake—a memento that lives in homes, offices and guest spaces waiting to spark conversations and share the storied past. Published books bolster messages with tangible presence. Their weight, texture, scent—the design, typography and layout all come together to enhance storytelling and move people. But, they’re also a versatile asset investment. Excerpts become social posts and emails. Spreads lend themselves to print communications that extend beyond paper. “It’s really a total package…it all works together,” Katherine said.

For Christian, the motivator was simple: “Provide something very, very special for such a momentous occasion…seeing the smiles on their faces when they received the piece.” For Katherine: pride in a book that captures 100 years “in a beautiful, creative way.” And for the audience: a final page left blank—yearbook‑style—inviting supporters to write their own St. Vinny’s story.

Thysse’s Julie Ehrke, a Business Development Manager with deep experience and expertise in the many forms of offline communication, was the primary liaison between Thysse and St. Vinny’s. She shared her reaction to the project outcome: “It really did turn out to be a beautiful piece—to be able to showcase everything about St. Vincent—where you’ve been to now. 100 years of these wonderful services that you're providing for our communities and I think the best part is just really seeing that final piece. It is just beautiful and I'm glad that we got to be a part of it—I'm glad you chose to work with us!”

A tangible book asks for—and rewards—attention. Its weight, paper, and finish give it a presence that signals importance; on a coffee table, the story remains in view long after a post scrolls by. Paging through the publication is a tactile experience, there’s a cadence—a pace between pauses and exploring what’s ahead. In moments that deserve to be felt, print elevates the message in ways pixels can’t, turning information into something that’s cherished, revisited, and shared.

If you’d like to tell a story in print, reach out. Our friendly experts are here to help you through every step in the process—from the earliest vision to the exceptional final outcome—Thysse is where you go with your brand.®