When ESPN baseball journalist Peter Gammons and friends developed a baseball-themed series of events to raise funds for Boston-area youth service organizations, quickly gaining visibility for this fun and worthwhile venture was paramount. The organizers evaluated New England public relations firms and selected Elevate Communications to build media awareness and draw consumers to charitable events.
communication objectives
- Increase ticket and CD sales for the Hot Stove, Cool Music program
- Launched the “Foundation to be Named Later” charity and encouraged consumer and corporate donations
- Generate positive goodwill and lasting interest in a worthwhile charity
elevate communications programs
- An event public relations campaign featuring Gammons, Red Sox General Manager Theo Epstein and Boston Red Sox athletes
- Radio media tour
- Television appearances, including morning shows, news segments and sports reports
- Print placements in music, sports and gossip articles
- Feature article placement
- Internet exposure through features, chats, contests and a video slide show
- Media promotions via on-air contests, public service announcements and giveaways
- Strategic alliances with media outlets and an emerging base of corporate donors
elevate results
- Sold more than 5,000 tickets to the first event, which raised more than $325,000 for charities
- Generated extensive media coverage for the initial event that led to the establishment of annual programs
- Significantly expanded brand exposure in local and national marketplaces, providing a baseline for ongoing activities and fundraising events
