Fun Campaign Happenings @
Rowe, Inc.
Rowe, Inc.’s Successful United Way Campaign Proves That Engineers Really DO Like to Have Fun!
Rowe, Inc. engineering firm has always been a strong supporter of United Way. However, in 2002, CEO John Matonich made some changes to their campaign that enabled them to go from good to great. At that time, Mr. Matonich decided to direct some company resources to enhance the United Way fund drive.
This decision resulted in two changes. First, their fundraising immediately doubled and second, their campaign became a fun and engaging annual event that Rowe employees look forward to. The 2008 campaign was a perfect example of this: they surpassed all previous fundraising amounts and had lots of fun doing it!
In a stroke of brilliance, campaign coordinators Lori Hutchins and Joyce Case held a mid-summer, pre-campaign Ice Cream Float event that got folks thinking good thoughts about United Way. In October, they kept the gang coming back with an all-staff pizza luncheon kick-off to announce this year’s UW campaign theme: Change Tomorrow by Giving Today.
At the kick-off employees were briefed on the numerous entertaining, enriching and enticing events that were planned for them this year. First off, they had a chance to show school spirit with a penny war between CMU, WMU, Michigan Tech, MSU, U of M and Ferris State (the winner). The second week of the campaign was busy with U of M/MSU football squares and a good, old fashioned Bake Sale.
Each year, the Rowe, Inc. campaign plans an event that involves children of employees. This year they held a Creative Pet Photo Contest. The winners of each age group had their winning photo published in the company newsletter and received a gift card from Borders.
Throughout the campaign, various raffles for prizes were held. A special raffle for “First-Time Givers” was held to encourage new employees to join in. During the second week, raffle winners received gift cards, free dinners and sports memorabilia. Employees who gave at the leadership level were invited to join the Golden Givers Club and had their names entered into a drawing for a valuable gas card. And finally, at the close of the campaign, an exciting “Last Chance Drawing” was held for all contributors who made a qualifying gift and five lucky winners received gift cards from local merchants.
The final week of the campaign was made even more enjoyable by a couple of opportunities to gather together to enjoy some delicious treats. Staff members prepared a Taco/Nacho Bar lunch that was offered for the very reasonable price of $3.00. The final United Way campaign event has become a Rowe, Inc. tradition. On the day before Halloween, tasty and seasonal cider, doughnuts and apples were available in the staff lunchroom.
Today, the Rowe, Inc.'s newsletter is filled with announcements of contest and drawing winners as well as many words of thanks to the employees for their willingness to get involved in United Way and for their generous support that enabled Rowe, Inc., for the sixth year in a row to break their prior year’s record fundraising total! Hats off to Mr. John Matonich , Joyce Case, Lori Hutchins and the whole gang at Rowe, Inc. for a (fun) job well done!