MILITARY APPRECIATION DAYS
(MEMORIAL HOLIDAY event)
Founding organizer and visionary behind “Armed Forces Week” and “Military Appreciation Days” in partnership with the South Bend Cubs MiLB team and Express Employment Professionals. This 2nd annual event featured a Sunday gathering of over 30 military and veterans service organizations in the area, and an “Honor & Remembrance Day” on Memorial Day, featuring a wreath-laying ceremony and gathering of Gold Star families.
2019 Event graphic for Honor & Remembrance Day - Used in promotions, on-site graphics, and for commemorative shirts given to surviving families and to Military Appreciation Fair participants. The graphic depicts our military from past conflicts honoring today’s fallen hero, all supported on the wings of an eagle with battle-cross as its head.
Pre-event Promotion - 95.3 MNC on-air segment - Greg Mackey is with South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart in-studio for a morning show with radio host Mark McGill to promote Military Appreciation Days at Four Winds Field. Radio advertising spots supported the segment and ran up to event day.
Contracted with Huey helicopter restoration organization (Huey 369) for display with retired pilot teams, demonstrations, and honor flights.
Game Program Ad - Placement for the May 2018 game program was key. Asked for placement next to the player roster - one of the most reviewed pages in the program.
Sponsorship Search Flyer - Developed three tiers of sponsorships to help raise money for the event.
Honor & Remembrance Day - Memorial Day 2019 South Bend Mayor Pete Buttigieg is one of several area dignitaries invited to speak at the wreath-laying ceremony. He is flanked by talk show host Casey Hendrickson, and South Bend Cubs President Joe Hart. Behind them are Gold Star surviving families of fallen US Army soldiers in Northern Indiana.
2019 Event Flyer - Distributed to various organizations, and sent out through Express client and South Bend Cubs email lists.
2019 Wreath laying ceremony - A choreographed ceremony featuring military dignitaries, color guard, veterans organizations, and TAPS bugle player. National and local media captured the event.
Wreath-laying Ceremony Planning - The wreath-laying ceremony involved many organizations and dignitaries, and detailed planning was necessary for event timing and flow.
Armed Forces Week - Jumbotron & Social Graphic I designed the SB Cubs Military Appreciation Days a full week event, starting the week by recognizing all service branches, including Homeland Security / Border Patrol.
Sponsorships & Veteran Hospitality - We created a tiered sponsorship program with levels of investment perks. Our program also chose area veterans and active-duty for participation during Armed Forces Week.