Strategic Partnerships

One of the things that Maroon PR does that differentiates us from other firms is that we are always looking for ways to partner our clients and friends in a way that results as a win for all involved. All organizations have assets and we endeavor to utilize those assets as effectively as possible.

Some examples of Strategic Partnerships that we have established include…

When Maroon PR was planning the grand opening of Sullivan’s Baltimore location (their 19th restaurant nationwide) we encouraged the popular steakhouse to partner with the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation for the event.

Sullivan’s would benefit from the message that they give back to the community, they would be associated with the Ripken brand and Cal Ripken, Jr. would make an appearance at the grand opening event to help insure that media coverage would be strong. The Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation would receive a $10,000 donation but, more importantly, they would be able to utilize the grand opening party as a way to thank their donors and schmooze top prospects.

As a result the grand opening was a great success and got Sullivan’s off on the right foot in a new market. The Baltimore location finished 4th among all Sullivan’s in revenue its first year in Charm City.

The relationship continued…in February of 2011 Sullivan’s will offer a special menu with a portion of the proceeds off the special menu will benefit the foundation throughout the month.

Not far from Sullivan’s is Hope Lodge, a facility run by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the American Cancer Society. Hope Lodge gives cancer patients and families a warm, comfortable and free place to stay when they are in Baltimore for treatments.

Maroon PR approached Sullivan’s about bringing chefs down to Hope Lodge to prepare a meal for their guests. The first occurred at the end of 2010 with four more to take place throughout 2011. This gave the patients and their families a great meal and a chance to take their minds off of the reality of the day for a few hours.

Maroon PR’s client, Reading Is Fundamental, is the largest family and children’s literacy non-profit in the United States. The DC-based organization hands out tens of thousands of new books to kids every year. One of the largest book distributions comes in Washington, DC. While RIF is a strong national organization, DC is where they are headquartered and a vital market for them.

To raise awareness for all that they do for kids in The District, Maroon PR brokered a partnership between RIF and the Washington Nationals in 2009 and 2010, and RIF and the Washington Capitals in 2009. The result was great media coverage for all parties and the opportunity for each to see the value of the relationship. Reading Is Fundamental and the Nationals continue to work closely together on various events and initiatives.

Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis and his wife, Christina, formed The Right Side Foundation in 2009 to help children in distress throughout the State of Maryland.

After the foundation was established the Markakis family began a monthly program called “Fun for 21” where 21 kids from local non-profits were treated to a wonderful experience.

Maroon PR introduced Nick and Christina to their friends at Aramark, the caterer and food provider at Oriole Park, the Verizon Center, the Maryland Science Center and more. The result was a full sponsorship by Aramark of the Right Side Foundation where their venues hosted the monthly “Fun for 21” program and fed kids a wonderful meal for free. In addition, The Right Side Foundation became one of the beneficiaries of Aramark’s annual charitable golf tournament.