The Lighthouse Foundation – Hope-Beckham-Espinosa

The Situation

The Lighthouse Foundation is a non-profit corporation, which provides vision and hearing services to over 7,000 indigent Georgians each year. This organization sought to create an event focused on the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Peach Bowl that would publicize their name and serve as a fundraiser. The relationship between Lighthouse and the Peach Bowl was pre-established as it was as originally founded as a fundraiser in 1967 by Lighthouse supporter George Crumbley, whose goal was to create a source of ongoing funding for the Lighthouse’s work.

The Approach

HBI was hired to create, publicize and promote a fall fundraiser as well as build relationships with sponsors and the community. In order to reach prospective sponsors, HBI sourced professional committee members to target CEOS at desired corporations. In order to do build an effective committee, HBI utilized its relationships within the Georgia sports industry and the business industry. HBI guided the committee by providing materials needed to help get the word out about The Lighthouse and the Peach Bowl 50th Anniversary Celebration. Along with the executive committee, HBI pitched the media story angles connecting to sports leading up to the event and post event.

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The Results

HBI secured 16 million impressions in coverage for The Lighthouse’s celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Peach Bowl, as well as built significant relationships between The Lighthouse and leading corporations. The event’s guest list was filled with sports celebrities and business professionals. The event was emceed by 2001 Hall of Fame inductee and legendary University of Georgia and NFL kicker Kevin Butler. There was a great lineup of speakers including Vince Dooley, Warrick Dunn, Leeman Bennett, Kim McQuilken, Chuck Dowdle, Brad Nessler, William Pate, Bill Hartman and President and CEO of Peach Bowl Inc. Gary Stokan. Guests also enjoyed a Hall of Fame tour, dinner on the Hall of Fame playing field, a live auction, video highlights from past Peach Bowls and door prizes. In addition, the ceremony included testimonies from those benefiting from The Lighthouse. HBI secured logistics for the event including sponsorship materials, emcee, photography, the program and run of show. In addition, the event raised over $70,000, which directly supports the programs of the Lighthouse including eye screenings, eye exams, glasses, surgeries and hearing aids for uninsured and underserved Georgians.