Give Like Gary
Date: Fall 2021
Department: Advancement
Project Type: Integrated Marketing Campaign
UCM Services: Concept, Writing, Design, Video, Web
The Give Like Gary campaign highlights the inspiring story of 7mkr’s longest-running annual donor,1960 graduate Gary Clark, who (at the time of the campaign launch) had given to 7mkr every year for 59 years running. Gary’s story and message served as the storytelling fulcrum of 7mkr’s Annual Giving efforts throughout Fall 2021.
The goal: to reignite their alumni’s interest and passion for giving quickly, to avoid the risk of permanently losing donors whose giving lapsed throughout the pandemic. By leveraging the unique and innately inspiring story of Gary Clark, 7mkr was able to turn around its annual giving rate and revenue in just one semester.
The multi-channel campaign culminated in a single mailed appeal that netted more than $202,000 from nearly 1,100 donors, nearly one-third of whom were renewed from lapsed status. To date, 7mkr has seen a 10.7% increase in cash gifts and a 12.7% increase in donors during FY22 when compared to FY21 thanks to the Give Like Gary campaign.