ASB Feature: Creating 350 Branded Gift Baskets for Awakening Angels Sponsors

ASB Sales Associate, Joe Artiste, and Cleveland-based team recently executed a kitting project for non-profit customer, Awakening Angels. Over 350 “thank you” baskets were created and sent to donors, helping to raise over $1 million for their cause.

Situation:
Awaking Angels is a 501C3 organization dedicated to funding biomedical research, educational initiatives, and social programs aimed at improving the quality of life for children and adults who are affected by Down syndrome and Autism. This year, their annual fundraiser was originally scheduled on March 30th, was postponed to September 28th and then was ultimately cancelled. The Awakening Angels team struggled to figure out how they could properly thank these sponsors and help them stay engaged year-round, considering the next event date was uncertain due to the pandemic.

Solution:
The Awakening Angels team executed a digital strategy, created a 3-month integrated social media and digital marketing campaign promoting and created several virtual events. Joe and team then created 350 custom “thank you” gift baskets that included branded items:

• 1- Fully Customized “Inverted” Umbrella
• 1- Oversized (60” x 70”) Sherpa Mink Blanket
• 1- 20 oz. Double Wall/Copper lined Tumbler
• 1 – “Champion” Long Sleeve Sponsor -T-Shirt
• 2- 11 oz. Ceramic Coffee Mugs
• 1 – Variable and Customized “Thank You” Letter
• 1- Oversized Koozie Patio Cooler (which all the branded merchandise was put into) then cello wrapped with a customized bow

• 

• 

Success:
All event sponsors received their “thank you” baskets to show appreciation and encourage their continued support for Awakening Angels. They were also encouraged to wear their swag and use their branded merchandise throughout their work day and to submit photos to post on social media. The custom gift baskets paired with the organization’s virtual events allowed for the opportunity to invite each of the sponsors to host their own virtual event. It allowed them to share their support for Awakening Angels with their employees and the business community, which create a huge buzz. In addition, Awakening Angels received over $350,000 in sponsorship sales and resigns for their 2021 Celebration of Life event.

Working together, the ASB team and Awakening Angels team provided a memorable experience despite the restrictions posed by the pandemic. Not only did it help all participants feel connected, it ensured the organization did not lose important funding despite cancelled in-person events.

American Solutions for Business provides customers with everything they need to fulfill brand strategy, offering promotional products, print, eCommerce, office supplies, kitting services and more. Visit http://www.americanbus.com to learn more!