Success Stories
YMCA of Metropolitan Denver: Janet's Camp
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The Opportunity:
As Community Relations consultant to the YMCA of Metropolitan Denver, Galloway Group was charged in 2005 with creating a unique fundraising opportunity that would directly support the YMCA’s summer programming. In addition to fundraising, strategic partnership development with philanthropic individuals and socially responsible corporations was also an end goal.
The Approach:
To assist in the creation of a unique concept, Galloway Group invited Janet Elway to share in the idea of an “upscale and energetic evening” of games and camaraderie for adults, with all proceeds used by the YMCA to send over 250 children to 10 weeks of YMCA Summer Day Camp. These additional funds would aid the YMCA in its programmatic mission by providing a summer camp experience to underprivileged children.
Once a partnership with Janet Elway was secured and a concept was born, the next step was educating the Metropolitan Denver community about the YMCA’s need for community support and to create a buzz about the newly formed initiative aptly termed “Janet’s Camp.” In March 2006, the “Campy Couture” Fashion Show was held as a launch party for the signature initiative. High profile individuals and community leaders, including Broncos head coach at the time Mike Shanahan and his wife Peggy, and other past and present Broncos players joined professional models in debuting “Campy Couture” outfits from Saks Fifth Avenue, giving supporters an idea of fashion trends for Janet’s Camp.
Once officially announced to the local community, Galloway Group worked with YMCA leadership and volunteer support to secure sponsorship of the event from local corporations and philanthropic individuals. In addition, a volunteer committee was formed to manage the concept development of the event and attract an audience of high profile individuals in the community for individual ticket sales.
The Results:
“Janet’s Camp” has become a signature fundraising event for the YMCA, bringing in hundreds of thousands of dollars since its inception. In addition to meeting fundraising goals, “Janet’s Camp” also helped to create mutually beneficial and long-term partnerships for the YMCA with local businesses and philanthropic individuals, many of whom now serve in volunteer leadership positions for the organization. With the increased exposure “Janet’s Camp” has provided, the YMCA has been better able to meet its mission and expand its reach in the local community. As is always the hope for consultants, Galloway Group’s ability to create a unique opportunity with potential for long-term sustainability has resulted in tangible benefits for the client.
