the challenge

Develop branding and create awareness for the event while respecting contractual obligations that made tickets “by invitation only,” and prohibited advertising in any form or using typical public relations strategies. One performer’s agent would not even allow us to use the musician’s name or likeness in any materials prior to the event.

our solution

Although Sounds of Hope for Children has featured Grammy-winners including Maroon Five, Goo Goo Dolls, Al Green, Earth Wind & Fire and Seal, among others, we crafted a successful media relations program focusing primarily on the Hospital and the children whom the funds raised would benefit, instead of on the concert artists, because of contractual restrictions.

We also used direct response materials, and invited local media celebrity emcees, to leverage our publicity opportunities.

results

Sounds of Hope for Children sells out every year and has raised more than $4 million for various departments at Rady Children’s Hospital including the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Asthma & Immunology Department, and the Autism Discovery Center. The debut concert raised more than $500,000. The event has been called one of the “Parties of the Year,” by San Diego Magazine and is highly anticipated in the community. We have generated exceptional pre- and post-event media coverage year after year, including a live, post-event duet featuring Al Green and a local weatherman.