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Kids of Courage Uses Branded Technology to Further Its Mission

“Wearing something with a logo of an organization that is close to my heart is personal to me. Not only is it a conversation starter, it is also a reminder of why I am a part of Kids of Courage.”

These were the words of Josh, a recipient of a custom branded Apple AirPods Max from Kids of Courage. Josh, who was gifted the device as a recognition for his fundraising efforts, proudly dons his new wireless headphones even though he is not “a regular headphone user.”

Kids of Courage is a New York-based nonprofit organization that gives children with medical illnesses opportunities to participate in year-round activities and medically supervised trips. 

“We love to give personalized technology to our supporters because it is unique and different,” said Naftali Solomon, Kids of Courage Director of Operations. “While the gifts are not the reason why they fundraise, our families and volunteers love to see the incentive list and find something to set their goal for.” 

Naftali Solomon, director of operations at Kids of Courage, shows off a custom branded Apple iPad used to help spread awareness of the organization.
Naftali Solomon, director of operations at Kids of Courage, shows off a custom branded Apple iPad used to help spread awareness of the organization.

Since 2019, the organization has offered Kids of Courage branded premium gifts, including high-tech products as perks for families and volunteers to reach fundraising goals. Past gifts have included: Apple iPad, Beats Powerbeats Pro, Apple Watch and Apple AirPods Pro. 

Naftali added, “The positive feedback we have gotten is encouraging, and it is a win-win situation to be able to thank our supporters and at the same time, further the organization’s mission.”

To learn more about Kids of Courage, visit www.kidsoc.org. 

 

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A Customized Experience in NYC: 53rd Annual International Achievement Summit

More than 80 aspiring young scholars, scientists, entrepreneurs and public servants recently gathered in New York City to meet with some of the world’s most outstanding leaders in the arts, sciences, business and public service.

The program, 53rd Annual International Achievement Summit, hosted by the American Academy of Achievement, welcomed recipients of the Nobel Prize and Pulitzer Prize, Justices of the United States Supreme Court, and members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. 

Guests at the 53rd International Achievement Summit. Photo source: American Academy of Achievement
Guests at the 53rd International Achievement Summit. Photo source: American Academy of Achievement

The highlight of the program was the Banquet of the Golden Plate where 34 guests of honor were inducted into the Academy and presented with the Golden Plate Award.

Some of this year’s guests of honor included: Two Nobel Peace Prize laureates, Leymah Gbowee and Nadia Murad; American blues guitarist and singer, Buddy Guy; Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court Brett M. Kavanaugh; The Who’s Pete Townshend and Roger Daltrey; musical theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber; and designer Thomas Heatherwick.

Attendees at the event used iPads that contained preloaded content, including an app that directs the guest to the event’s agenda, as well as iBooks and podcasts created by the Academy. Each tablet was protected by a smart cover printed with a custom design artwork for the event. All of these services, including the kitting of the iPad packages, were serviced by FUSION OF IDEAS.

“We plan all year for our International Achievement Summit and it’s important that we create the best experience for our guests,” said Ethel Terrado-Lowe, Academy of Achievement Director of New Media and Design. “The FUSION OF IDEAS team understood our mission and were not just order takers, they were partners with us in creating a complete brand experience for our program guests. The team was timely, responsive and knowledgeable, which made working with them a seamless experience.” 

The American Academy of Achievement is a nonprofit organization that brings together the most accomplished people from diverse fields around the world to encourage and inspire the next generation. The organization was founded by Brian Blaine Reynolds, a photographer known for his contributions to Life magazine and Sports Illustrated, in order to bring aspiring young people together with preeminent achievers, who excel in their chosen professions.

Attendees used iPads with a custom-printed smart cover. Inside the iPad, there was a preloaded app directed the guest to the event’s agenda.
Attendees used iPads with a custom-printed smart cover. Inside the iPad, there was a preloaded app directed the guest to the event’s agenda.
Leymah Gbowee of Liberia, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, addresses Academy delegates and members at the Summit. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement.
Leymah Gbowee of Liberia, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, addresses Academy delegates and members at the Summit. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement.
Some of the guests of honor at the Summit included: Anthony M. Kennedy, retired Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and Steven Tyler, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer and songwriter. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement
Some of the guests of honor at the Summit included: Anthony M. Kennedy, retired Justice of the United States Supreme Court, and Steven Tyler, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer and songwriter. Photo credit: American Academy of Achievement
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Attollo Scholars Experience Some Magic

NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson keynotes 'Magic: An Attollo Experience' in Lancaster, Penn. ©Attollo
NBA Hall of Famer Magic Johnson keynotes ‘Magic: An Attollo Experience’ in Lancaster, Penn. Photo source: Attollo

More than 1,300 attendees at the annual Attollo fundraising event in Lancaster, Penn., celebrated a group of 60 high school program scholars for being accepted into colleges across the country. Also highlighting the event, Magic: An Attollo Experience, was a keynote by NBA Hall of Famer, Magic Johnson.

This year’s celebratory fundraiser raised $1.5 million benefitting the Attollo program. Founded by the Children Deserve a Chance Foundation, Attollo is a college access/leadership program in Central Pennsylvania that supports youth from underrepresented communities in their pursuit of academic achievement, empowerment and social engagement.

As a token of appreciation to the event sponsors and donors, Attollo partnered with FUSION OF IDEAS to create custom-branded Apple AirPods as gifts. The device included the program’s name and logo printed on the case and on the stems of the headsets. The AirPods box is outfitted with a fitted custom device sleeve that has a photo of Magic Johnson.

One event donor shared anonymously, “You [Attollo] always inspire students to push beyond their comfort zones and do more than they thought possible. I am not quick to try new technology, but when I received these AirPods, I decided to push myself beyond my comfort zone and try them. My grandchildren were so impressed when I came walking in with my AirPods! I can listen to my audiobooks and my old favorite songs.”

Custom branded Apple AirPods are given to event sponsors and donors of Attollo's annual fundraiser.
Custom branded Apple AirPods are given to event sponsors and donors of Attollo’s annual fundraiser.
Attendees celebrate 60 of Attollo's high school program scholars for being accepted into colleges across the country. ©Attollo
Attendees celebrate 60 of Attollo’s high school program scholars for being accepted into colleges across the country. Photo source: Attollo
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Think Pink with Mission Hospital’s Valiant Women Support Group

It has been another successful year working with Mission Hospital’s Valiant Women Support Group, which hosted its fifteenth annual Think Pink Breast Health Wall of Honor last October.  The proceeds of this annual fundraiser go to support Mission Hospital Breast Health Services, which funds mammogram screenings and diagnostic care for under or uninsured women in the community.  

Every two minutes, a patient is diagnosed with breast cancer. Women have a one in eight chance of being diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their life. Breast cancer is not a death sentence; it can be treated. Mammography is the most effective breast cancer screening procedure. Early detection saves lives.

The Mission Hospital Valiant Women Support Group saves lives and makes a huge impact on families and the local community. The Wall of Honor was a place for individuals supporting and donating to write notes, thoughts, and tributes to those who have been affected by breast cancer.  Two years ago, Fusion of Ideas started working with the group. As an alternative to the traditional handwritten cards placed on walls, Fusion of Ideas helped create an app that displays special honoree messages on TV screens at the mall during the fundraising event.  Through the interactive application, users can also contribute to the cause by purchasing special merchandise, donating funds, and learning about various activities and events taking place during the month of fundraising. The app also displayed the Think Pink Wall of Honor Instagram account, specific sponsor videos and feeds, and featured product shots of merchandise being sold for the fundraiser.  Fusion of Ideas also helped create the application that houses the donations.

The whole fundraiser is made possible through sponsors such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Volvo, Infinity and countless others who have dedicated funds, services, and time.  The Fusion of Ideas team has been honored to work with Mission Hospital’s Valiant Women Support Group and looks forward to participating in future years.  For more information and to participate or donate to this wonderful fundraiser, please visit https://www.mission4health.com/mission-hospital-foundation/fundraising-support-groups/valiant-women/

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