.........................................................................................................................................................................................................................

rĀv COMMUNICATIONS

Working from So. Florida,

servicing accounts Nationwide

Care to chat? 954.205.8754

© 2010. All Rights Reserved.

CASE STUDIES

CAPABILITIES

Taste of the Nation

Share Our Strength’s Taste of the Nation is a premier food and wine event dedicated to ending childhood hunger in America.  Each spring and summer, thousands of culinary professionals and volunteers donate their time, talent and passion at nearly 40 events across the United States and Canada with one goal in mind: to raise critical funds needed to help end childhood hunger.

Challenge

The committee determined while many guests attended the event to partake in the vast culinary offerings the ability to convey the core message and mission for the event, Ending Childhood Hunger, did not resonate with attendees. Moreover, local sponsorship began to dwindle as partnership opportunities lacked a defined return on investment. 

Solutions

rĀv created a number of measurable solutions and visuals to bring awareness to Share Our Strength's mission, support national sponsors, and give local sponsors additional recognition before, during, and well after the one day event including:

• Dedicated website www.StrengthSouthFlorida.org for the two south Florida Taste of the Nation chapters (Miami and Fort Lauderdale) to prolong visibility and encourage crossover market event participation
  

• Affiliate marketing /partnership fundraising program "Click-Shop-End Childhood Hunger" at www.shopstrength.org to encourage year round site visits
  

• Revised sponsorship opportunities and custom event solutions
  

• Branded invitations for each sponsor with trackback code offering sponsors guests an exclusive discount on event tickets by using trackback code when making online purchases.    
  

• Onsite event poster series to tie in event theme and sponsors brand
  

• Visual hunger messaging opportunities
  

SERVICES

collateral design

event  management

sponsorship materials

website design

visit website

www.StrengthFlorida.org

Results

Over the past four years of implementation sponsor retention is at 80% and sponsor ticket sales have increased 23%. While guest count at the actual event has not substantially increased, auxiliary events held throughout the year garner a following, thus providing year-round fundraising opportunities for the charity and additional exposure for sponsors.

In 2008, we were invited as a guest speaker for the annual Share Our Strength Conference of Leaders to present a joint session on ticket selling strategies to members of various Taste of the Nation committees nationwide.

Nominated for Rookie of the Year 2006

Nominated for Taste of the Nation Community Leader of the Year 2008

Feedback

Taste of the Nation 2009

"The play on our tagline and event tie in - very smart. We are good to go for Fort Lauderdale and would like to do the same for Miami as well.  I can't wait to see the final piece!"    

- Katie M. Bolen, Sales Development Specialist - Ford Lincoln Mercury  | Sponsor

Taste of the Nation 2008

"Ari, My peeps are all in agreement, this year's event [2008] was better than many of the past. The hunger message theme/ production were especially cohesive and fun. I think that breathed new life into it. "

- Brian Lazar, director, Brian Lazar

"... the table of 600 plates really hit home with many people who never realized how much their money does."

- Mindy A., Macy's Team Volunteer

" Ari... you really tied the message and the cause to the experience.  I loved the posters, the 600 plates, the announcements reminding attendees about the cause with facts, the tasteful message candles and the cards in the wine glasses - all these details take time to imagine and execute, but really went a long way in reminding guest about the importance of fighting hunger and their enjoyment of the food & wine  helps fight the fight.  BRAVO!"

- Carey McKearnan, Boca Raton and Florida Table Magazine | Sponsor

Taste of the Nation 2007

"Ari, I love our ad and poster with the little boy drinking "

- Yvette Melendez,  San Pellegrino/Nestle Waters NA  | National Sponsor