Bower & Co. helps Education Fund learn how to attract donors. Final grade: 150% return.

The Challenge

For over 20 years, the Philadelphia Education Fund quietly went about its work of improving public education for underserved youth. Perhaps they were a little too quiet. The Education Fund leadership realized that launching a campaign to attract new donors to support their important work would be an uphill battle unless they raised their visibility.

The Idea

Bower & Co. teamed up with the Education Fund to create an event commemorating the organization’s 20th Anniversary. The gala event would not only help tell the Education Fund story, it would be a catalyst to encourage individual giving. Bower & Co. created the Eddy Awards, honoring individuals, businesses, and groups whose successes symbolize the Education Fund’s vision of quality public education.

Results

The sold out event (now an annual affair) was a huge success: 150% return, thanks to an outpouring of financial support from individuals and corporate sponsors. And through the high-caliber honorees’ stories each year— like philanthropist Stanley Tuttleman, Grammy Award-winner Jill Scott, Olympiad basketball star Dawn Staley, and Dr. Guion S. Bluford, Jr., the first African American astronaut in space – it generates plenty of media attention for both the Education Fund and Philly alum alike.

Gail Bower was critical in helping us create an appropriate and effective manner to commemorate this important milestone for our organization. It was mainly due to Gail’s creativity and high professional standards that this event was extremely successful.

Carol S. Fixman, Executive Director, Philadelphia Education Fund

Gail, I wanted to let you know how grateful I am to you for the job well done. Your careful attention to detail made the whole thing flow. From the staff and board committee, I hear you are a pleasure to work with as well. Many, many thanks.

Helen Cunningham, Chair, Philadelphia Education Fund, Board of Directors