The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) Burn Foundation is one of the largest sources of burn research grants and has awarded over $2.5 million in burn research grants since 1982. They wanted a vehicle to raise money
for this valuable cause.

There is no better way to demonstrate the daily life and death struggle that fire fighters face than through visuals. SKM created a calendar that featured a stunning photo collection of the drama, emotion and hope of fire fighters in action. Images were submitted by photojournalists from across the U.S. and Canada, and winning images were published in the calendar. SKM marketed the calendars and custom greeting cards to fire fighter locals around the U.S. & Canada, whose members enthusiastically supported the program for 22 years.

Pep Boys wanted to create a calendar that showcased its partnership with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).  Realizing that its target audience was aligned with MADD, Pep Boys wanted to increase awareness of the dangers of drunk driving with young male car enthusiasts.

A “Cool Car” calendar was a perfect vehicle to raise funds
and awareness with MADD and safe driving messaging throughout the calendar. SKM worked closely with the client and an illustrator to create a calendar filled with cool car imagery. A coordinating counter display launched the calendars in store, where they sold for a small donation. Valuable monthly coupons more than offset this donation cost, judging by the calendar’s popularity. By the end of the program, Pep Boys
was able to raise over $300,000 for MADD.

Like many other national non-profits, the National Parks Foundation (NPF) had seen its share of support dwindle
and needed to raise funds and awareness for its programs.

Using visitor participation as a driver, SKM suggested to feature the National Park Foundation and Kodak photo contest winners in a calendar program. Park visitors submitted stunning imagery that reproduced beautifully in the calendar format, showcasing the grandeur of the National Parks to current and potential donors.
The photos were supplemented by messaging about the foundation’s work, which is the charitable partner of the National Parks Service. The calendar was used to solicit new donors and was sent via direct mail, asking for their support. The calendar also gave NPF an opportunity to highlight their partners, such as Ford and Kodak. Highly successful, the program ran for three years straight.

Party supply retailer iParty wanted to give their customers reasons to celebrate – not only for themselves but for a great cause. iParty supports “Birthday Wishes” a non-profit organization whose mission is to bring birthday parties to homeless children. iParty is working with this organization to expand their presence in the states where they operate retail stores. 

Parents are always looking for birthday party ideas, so SKM created a custom mini-magazine to help them out. The iParty Ideas booklet is filled with fun tips and recipes for the perfect party. It also comes packed with money-saving coupons to increase purchase levels, i.e. $5 off $25 purchase. Shoppers could pick up this mini-magazine in-store by donating a “Wish Card” - $1 to the Birthday Wishes Foundation. To help shoppers planning from home, they could also access magazine content to make their online shopping easier.

Perkins, a proud sponsor of Minnesota Twins baseball, wanted to help in their Minnesota market by bringing awareness and raising funds for the Minnesota Twins Community Fund.  This non-profit was created in 1991 with a mission to enrich local and regional communities. The Fund provides resources for the healthy development of children and families through an association with baseball, softball and the Minnesota Twins.

SKM created a 12 month Minnesota Twins baseball calendar which was marketed in the Minnesota area and sold for a donation at the ballpark, in Perkins Restaurants' Minnesota market, and at various community events.  The calendar proudly featured the Twins, and provides the game schedule for the year, and valuable marketing messages about the Minnesota Twins Community Fund, along with a pull out section of Perkins coupons.