The Challenge
Flynn Wright was the chosen marketing and advertising sponsor for the 2009 Youth Emergency Services & Shelter Duck Derby, which is the organization's single largest fundraising event. To make this event a fly-away success, we knew we had to craft a distinctive and memorable campaign that would not only increase event awareness, create ongoing excitement and motivate people to donate, but also provide insight into the important role YESS plays in our community.
The Strategy
By using the lead duck graphic, we developed an exclusive, fresh and family-friendly visual campaign that embraced the spirit of the Duck Derby while supporting the YESS mission. To widen market awareness and broaden the donor base, we orchestrated a series of kick-off events at highly trafficked, family-oriented venues, including the I-Cubs, Iowa Chops, Iowa Energy, Dahl's, QuikTrip and Jordan Creek Mall.
The Result
From rebranding the marketing materials and producing playful television spots, to securing media partnerships, introducing the Duck Derby to social media and staging kick-off events around the community, the 2009 YESS Duck Derby was an overwhelming success. Overall, duck adoptions increased by 25 percent to 25,000, attendance doubled to 6,000 and the event generated nearly 30 percent more revenue than in 2008.