Feel-Good Marketing
It’s been a while since I’ve posted a “Feel-Good Marketing Friday” blog, but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to spread some positive energy on this cold Friday morning. As you know, the CIK Marketing Feel-Good Friday posts are all about companies giving back to their community through their support of charitable organizations or causes. This week, I’d like to tip my hat to all of the businesses involved in the upcoming Wallaceburg Minor Lacrosse Fundraising Gala.
Late last year, news broke that the Wallaceburg Minor Lacrosse Association had fallen more than $70,000 in debt due to fraudulent bookkeeping. And while stealing is bad, there’s something infinitely worse about stealing from a program that’s designed to provide kids with a fun recreational activity. Since this unforeseen circumstance came to light, the executives at Wallaceburg Minor Lacrosse have been doing everything they can to keep the various teams afloat and save the upcoming lacrosse season for dozens of local youth. It’s been tough I’m sure, but thankfully, local businesses have stepped up to the plate to help out this worthy cause.
Gala of Hope
If you live in or around Chatham-Kent, make sure you head to the Oaks Inn on Saturday, February 19th. The Wallaceburg Minor Lacrosse Association, in partnership with a number of local business (CIK Marketing included), will be hosting a fundraising gala that evening, beginning at 5:30 pm. Tickets to the event cost $50 and include a a delicious dinner and silent auction. The speaker for the night includes Brad MacArthur, a graduate of the Wallaceburg Lacrosse system who has played professional lacrosse for the Toronto Rock, Calgary Roughnecks, and Rochester Knighthawks. Rumours are also circulating that Sean Pollock, another Wallaceburg Lacrosse alumni, will be speaking via Internet web cam connection as he has a game that night with the Minnesota Swarm of the National Lacrosse League.
A silent auction and live auction will take place throughout the night. I know I’ve got my eyes set on the insane grand prize package sports getaway: two tickets to a Minnesota Wild game, two tickets to a Minnesota Swarm game, two night accommodations in St. Paul and return flights from Detroit to Minnesota. CIK Marketing was happy to donate an item to the auction, and members of our company will be in attendance at the event. I encourage you to come out and enjoy the evening and support the kids who’ve been affected by this unfortunate event.
I had the opportunity to meet a few of the younger lacrosse players a couple of weeks ago, at which time the below picture was taken. They’re good kids and kids that deserve a chance to play the sport they love.
So, a big Feel-Good Friday thanks to CKXS FM for helping MC the event, and to all of the businesses who have donated items to help generate funds. If you’re interested in supporting this local cause, please contact the President of the Wallaceburg Minor Association, Todd Shepley, at 519-627-1923. You can also learn more about the event by visiting the Fundraising Gala page on the official Wallaceburg Minor Lacrosse website.
Hope to see you all at the event!
Have you heard of Jumo? Created by Facebook co-founder, Chris Hughes, this new platform is designed to connect “individuals and organizations working to change the world.” A social network with a soul, Jumo is already attracting some major attention. But what set’s this new venture apart from previous philanthropic sites, like Change.org and is it enough to capture both the hearts and wallets of social networkers the world over?
What is Jumo?
Hughes described Jumo as a platform that combines “philanthropy, volunteerism, and social networking” all in one place. The company’s name itself translates to “together in concert” in the African language of Yoruba. And while the site is currently just a few pages (and links to the company’s Facebook page and Twitter account, of course), there are already high expectations for the budding venture. A recent article in the Huffington Post noted that Jumo currently employs three people and has already raised more than $2 million.
Will it Succeed?
I hope so, and with Hughes at the head, it likely will. While Hughes is best known for his fo-founding role with Facebook, he was also the architect behind My.BarackObama.com, which has been toted as building the most successful network of volunteers that any American presidential campaign has ever seen. The man knows his networks, and you can bet he’ll build Jumo in a way that makes global development cool and technologically-hip.
Once the site launches in the Fall, people can expect to find a hub of giving – a place where charitable organizations and individuals can connect and create a stronger future. From animal activism to environmental issues, the scope of causes represented on Jumo will likely be expansive. If the site is built correctly, it will become the base camp for disaster response, providing people with a central location to get information on developing stories and safely donate funds. The true test of the site’s success will be it’s ability to keep causes fresh in people’s minds – and the money flowing continuously.
Get Involved Now
Even though Jumo hasn’t launched yet, it’s already looking for user feedback. If you’re interested in learning more about Jumo, check out their Facebook page. Fans can recommend causes that should be included in the Jumo launch (and receive a cool $5,000 if their recommendation is accepted).
Do you think Jumo will be a success? Why or why not? Leave a comment and let us know!
