How ‘Following The Audience’ Generated $40,000+ for Sky High Adventure Center
When Sky High Adventure Center (SHAC) came to me with the goal of maximizing their year-end fundraising efforts, they had big dreams for supporting their community programs and improving their facility. Together, we created something special, and I’m so excited to share how we raised over $40,000, smashing the fundraising target!
What’s the secret to success?
The Campaign: More Than Just a Fundraiser
The challenge was to create a year-end campaign that was more than just a donation request. We needed to demonstrate our emotional impact, generate urgency, appeal to current and lapsed donors, and bring in new supporters, while reinforcing SHAC’s role as a key community asset.
So, I got to work developing a comprehensive marketing strategy that touched on every aspect of the campaign, and reached their audience exactly where they were at. This spanned across email campaigns, social media outreach, landing page, mailers, etc.
By using these strategies across different channels, we made sure to reach the right audience at the right time, creating the buzz and excitement needed to drive contributions.
Campaign Brand Strategy: Creating a Unique Identity
One of the most important elements of this fundraiser was the campaign’s unique brand identity. Instead of just piggybacking on SHAC’s established brand, I created a niche campaign brand that stood out on its own—something that would grab attention and speak to the heart of the community.
Here’s what we focused on:
Consistent Brand Voice– Think eye-catching, on-brand CTAs, campaign slogans, and copy that made the campaign instantly recognizable across email, social media, and mail.
Clear, Impactful Messaging – A message that wasn’t just about raising money, but about the real impact SHAC was making in the community.
Emotional Appeal – We told stories that resonated with SHAC’s supporters, showing exactly how their donations would make a difference.
The result? We built trust, credibility, and emotional connection with donors, influencing their likelihood to contribute.
The Results: Beyond Expectations
What happened after all the planning and execution? A lot more than we’d hoped for!
$40,000+ raised to support SHAC’s programs and facilities. The highest donor return the organization has seen, according to SHAC President John Slyer.
Expanded donor base, welcoming both new and returning supporters.
Increased engagement on social media and email—people were genuinely excited to get involved!
Higher brand visibility for SHAC, setting them up for even more success in future fundraisers.
This campaign was a reminder of the power of good marketing. With a clear strategy, compelling storytelling, and the right tools, you can turn an ordinary fundraiser into something extraordinary.
