I love a simple marketing idea that is on strategy. I love it, even more, when it includes a good pun. And, if it is helping a non-profit, color me delirious.
About a year ago, my friend Bob Stapleton asked me if I could come to a few meetings for a non-profit called Dorcas Ministries based in Cary, North Carolina. They needed some marketing advice.
Dorcas was a woman from the old testament who repaired clothes for the poor. And this non-profit has a shop, similar to Goodwill, that sells gently used closed for people in need. It is an important organization, and I was honored to be asked to help with a few marketing challenges.
Dorcas Ministries – Celebrating 50 Years Serving the Community
It is their fiftieth anniversary, and they wanted an appropriate way to celebrate. I suggested that they consider getting fifty quilts created from remnant material and clothes from their store, and selling the quilts at auction. I provided a name for the promotion called STITCHING TOGETHER A COMMUNITY.
Since they do literally stitch together a community, the quilt was a perfect vehicle to help get the word out. It tied back to their namesake, Dorcas and provided the perfect platform to promote their good work. The plan is to showcase the quilts and then to hold an auction online.
This week they announced that they have accomplished their goal and the 50 quilts are going to be displayed throughout the community and auctioned off to raise funds to support the needy. I’m excited to see these quilts to celebrate their 50 years of serving the community.
More Details From My Friends at Dorcas Ministries
The Quilt Fundraiser is part of Dorcas Ministries 50th Anniversary celebration. This year we had a celebration theme of STITCHING TOGETHER A COMMUNITY – 50 Years of Service.
Dorcas is named after a woman from the Bible who made garments for the poor and became notable for her charitable work. (Acts 9:36-42). Today, Dorcas Ministries provides crisis relief to western Wake County residents who seek stability and self-sufficiency through food and financial aid, scholarships, training programs, referrals, and an affordable thrift shop.
Over the past year, we have over 50 beautiful quilts donated by talented quilters.
All showings will take place at 171 High House Road, the end unit at Dorcas Plaza in Cary, N.C.
See the quilts in person.
- October 22nd: 11 AM – 2 PM
- October 23rd: 5 PM – 8 PM
- October 24th: 11 AM – 2 PM
- October 25th: 5 PM – 8 PM
- October 29th: 5 PM – 8 PM
- October 30th: 11 AM – 2 PM
If you are not available for one of the showings but would like to see the quilts in person, contact Ellen at ellen@dorcascary.org to make arrangements.
Bid for the Quilts Online
To see the quilts and access the online bidding, click HERE. Bids will be accepted October 22nd starting at 8 AM through November 5th at 12 PM. For more information about this non-profit, click on this link. Thank you for your continued support of Dorcas Ministries!
Need an idea for a promotion or the help gain awareness? I help for-profit and non-profits build awareness, promote special events and generate leads and donations. You can set up a time to chat with me about your marketing challenges using my calendar. Email me jeffslater@themarketingsage.com Call me. 919 720 0995. The conversation is free, and we can explore if working together makes sense. Try my new chat feature on my site if you have a quick question.
Photo Courtesy of Dorcas Ministries
