Just before the Boston screening of Lemonade, we were contacted by an international retailer who expressed interest in sponsoring us. Apparently, Lemonade was in alignment with their 2010 corporate campaign and they wanted to be part of our project somehow.
The idea was that we would travel to different cities around the country to screen the film, and they would foot the bill. On a moment’s notice, they flew to Boston for the screening. There were hugs and high fives all around. All signs were good. Everything was a go.
Then at the last minute, the person who had to sign the agreement had some reservations and they opted to pass.
But guess what? This company felt so bad about having to back out, they still gave us a sizable donation. And because a lot of what they sell is of great use to Lemonade and Please Feed The Animals, they let us raid their catalog.
I wish I could tell you who they were, but doing so would tip off their campaign for the new year. Plus, I don’t want to jeopardize the other sponsorship conversations we’re having at the moment.
I only mention this to you because in an era national hardship and increasing corporate resentment, there are still a few incredibly generous – even publicly held – organizations that do amazing things.
Sure, we lost a potentially huge sponsor. But I gained something even more important — faith in the way corporations can be run. Which is something I haven’t felt in a long, long time.
Merry Christmas everybody. -Erik
One Comment
Smart corporations do support effective people who will help them, directly or indirectly, bring about the change they wish to see in the world.
In the case of the advertising industry, I suspect the best agency-client relationships are the ones where both parties share strong intentions that resonate with each other.
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