Purple Crayons Interactive, a digital solutions company, announced today that it was honored by the Matthew Shepard Foundation with the "Essential Piece" Award at the organization's Seventh Annual Bear to Make a Difference Gala.

Each year, the Foundation honors outstanding individuals or organizations at its gala. Through its "Essential Piece" awards, the organization honors its important business partners. Purple Crayons Interactive designed the Foundation's website and its signature program, MatthewsPlace.com.

"With the help of valuable business partners like Purple Crayons, we will achieve our goal of erasing hate in America," remarked Judy Shepard, Executive Director of the Foundation.

The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998. Created to honor Matthew in a manner that was appropriate to his dreams, beliefs, and aspirations, the Foundation seeks to "replace hate with understanding, compassion and acceptance" through its varied educational programs and by continuing to tell Matthew's story.

"We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award," said Purple Crayons President Candi Boyer. "Our work with the Matthew Shepard Foundation has been an extremely rewarding project for our entire team."

Purple Crayons is a digital solutions company founded in 1997 with locations in Colorado and New York. The company provides an integrated set of strategy, creative, and technology services that takes an Internet business from concept to launch. Purple Crayons' core interactive and visual design skills have allowed them to develop fresh, innovative, and custom solutions for clients, which include JVC Electronics, IBM, ABC Television, HBO, and more nationally recognized brands. For more information, visit www.purplecrayons.com.