SPARKS Corporate Partnerships
SPARKS Corporate Partnerships
SPARKS Events
Indian Ocean Row in aid of SPARKS
Now that’s a fact that goes a long way to explain why the pending attempt by SPARKS supporters Rob Abernethy and Mike Noel-Smith to pull off this epic feat has already attracted huge media coverage. National and regional newspapers, TV and radio all seized on the Boys’ Own-style saga after a press launch organised by their main sponsors Betfair, the on-line gambling service, and SPARKS, their chosen charity.
The pair jet out to Australia at the start of April and will spend a month acclimatising before starting to row the 4,200 miles from Western Australia to Reunion Island off the coast of Africa in approximately 50 days, battling climatic conditions, tiredness, meagre rations & the shark-infested Indian Ocean itself. It’s a savage test of physical and mental strength and endurance that has only ever been successfully completed once before.
But ex-soldiers Mike,45 and Rob,30, are determined to succeed and hit their target of raising £250,000 for a Sparks-funded research project into bacterial meningitis being conducted by a University of Portsmouth team led by Dr.Kathy Triantafilou.
Rob Abernethy summed the great challenge up this way: “Mike and I were determined to take on a challenge that tested us to the utmost limit physically and mentally while also making a contribution to a truly worthwhile charity cause. SPARKS, through its dedication to saving and improving the lives of babies and children, epitomises the kind of charity we wanted to help”.
SPARKS arranged a special trip to Portsmouth so the daring pair could meet up with the medical team they’re rowing for ….and show off their boat. It was a team meeting captured by Meridian TV who made it a major element of their regional news and magazine programming.
A TV documentary is also being planned on Mike and Rob’s gruelling attempt to set a new world record for what remains one of the few sea-going adventures left on earth.
Sponsorship Opportunity
This is a unique opportunity to promote your company through this phenomenal challenge.
Media coverage will be extensive with Yahoo! already confirmed as the e-media partner and VTV producing a documentary on the row.
Sponsorship of all types and forms will be considered ranging from technical support & in-kind donations to financial assistance.
In addition to this if you would like to donate directly to SPARKS and help the crew reach their £250,000 target then click www.justgiving.com/transventure/default.asp
For more information please contact Shaun Roy on 0207 340 0684 or [email protected]
A Guide to Corporate Partnerships
Staff motivation or corporate social responsibility? A partnership with SPARKS can help you achieve your goals.
Cause Related Marketing –form a partnership with SPARKS and market your product or service in a positive light while raising money for children’s medical research. Boost sales, increase consumer loyalty and enhance your company image – 75% of consumers have switched brands, tried a product or increased usage because of a CRM relationship(Source: Business In The Community)
Charity Of The Year – appoint SPARKS as your company’s dedicated charity for a specific year. Fundraise for SPARKS throughout the year increasing staff motivation and encouraging team building. SPARKS can help with fundraising ideas, auction and raffle prizes and memorabilia and celebrity appearances
Payroll Giving – an easy to implement government approved scheme allowing employees to donate to their chosen charity directly from their salaries, pre – tax. Companies can match their employees donations boosting staff morale even further! Did you know that one third of companies who offer Payroll Giving have attributed improved staff retention to the scheme?
Gifts / Services In Kind – can your company donate office supplies, equipment or services to help us reduce our costs? Through these valuable donations, we can ensure that more of our income goes directly to children’s medical research
Company Donations – companies can make tax efficient donations to charities – either cash donations or donating company shares.
We would welcome the opportunity to talk to you about your objectives and discuss ways in which we could team up to create bespoke, mutually beneficial initiatives.
For more information, contact Jenny Weisshuhn, Head of Corproate Fundraising, [email protected] or 020 7340 0670.
An Invitation to SPARKS events
Fancy a day out of the office? SPARKS has an impressive diary of prestigious, celebrity events from polo to fashion, golf, shooting and our star studded balls! We would like to invite your company to get involved.
Event Sponsorship – your company could be the title sponsor of one of SPARKS high profile events. Benefit from branding, PR and advertising opportunities, association with SPARKS, sport and celebrities, exposure to a new target audience and fantastic networking opportunities. SPARKS events tend to attract
Corporate Hospitality – opportunity to entertain clients or staff at a variety of unique SPARKS events
Sampling – invaluable brand exposure to a new audience, trial a new product through goodie bags, food or drink at events, clothes or cosmetics at our fashion show – the opportunities are endless
Donating A Venue – we are constantly seeking new venues for our events. Opportunity to showcase your venue to an upmarket, influential and celebrity audience. A fantastic PR opportunity!
Donating Auction / Raffle Prizes – a perfect opportunity for increasing your brand’s awareness while demonstrating your support for SPARKS
Participation – take part in our shooting days, attend our star-studded Summer or Winter Balls, play a round of golf or get your running shoes on!
SPARKS Golf Days – entertain clients, foster team spirit, enjoy a round of golf with a celebrity captain at some of the most prestigious courses in the UK AND all for a good cause! Options include full title sponsorship of an existing SPARKS event, creating a bespoke event for you or choosing SPARKS as the benefiting charity from your existing golf day. SPARKS offers full event planning and management services
Run For SPARKS – a great way to get your workforce fit and encourage team building! Recruit a team to run the London Marathon, one of the BUPA Great Runs, an overseas marathon or take part in the London Triathlon. What about sponsoring the SPARKS running team?
We would like to discuss with you the wealth of opportunities for your company at SPARKS events. Put a date with SPARKS in your diary and have fun while raising vital funds for lifesaving children’s medical research!
For more information, contact Helen Farquharson, Head of Events, [email protected] or 020 7340 0673.
“We are delighted to sponsor our Celebrity Golf Classic on behalf of SPARKS. Not only is it a fun and challenging day, we also have the satisfaction of knowing we are helping SPARKS achieve it’s target of helping babies to be born healthy and stay healthy. Canon UK is very proud of its association with SPARKS”
David Preston, Associate Director, Canon (UK) Ltd
“Ceuta Healthcare decided to support and commit to Sparks because we recognised the focus of this charity in aiding medical research for children. We also recognised the commitment , passion and energy from the Sparks team, including Her Royal Highness Princess Michael of Kent in pursuing and developing events and awareness. We are proud to be associated with Sparks and will be supporting them for years to come.”
Edwin Bessant, CEO, Ceuta Healthcare
“Christie’s have had a very happy year supporting SPARKS and the staff have thoroughly enjoyed raising much needed funds for such worthwhile causes. The SPARKS staff have been a pleasure to work with and their enthusiasm and commitment have been exemplary.”
Hugh Edmeades, Chairman of Christie’s, South Kensington
“The PPP / SPARKS Square Mile challenge was a huge success which generated enormous interest amongst our staff and members. We would value the opportunity of being linked with SPARKS again.”
Andy Edelsten, Group Personnel Manager, Fitness Exchange
“We decided to join forces with a high-profile charity to try to create a new buzz within the fashion industry. As part of our long-term commitment to SPARKS, we are donating 10% of sales from our Spring/Summer 02 range of piqué polo shirts to SPARKS."
Stephanie Thierry, Head of Marketing, Gant UK
“Choosing SPARKS as our nominated charity in 2000 was an inspired decision. There is nothing like a ‘win win’ relationship. We will continue to raise essential funds for SPARKS and enjoy the many benefits, events and business opportunities in return.”
Laura Moody, Managing Director, Nomadic Display UK
“SPARKS is an extremely important charity which carries out invaluable work with the support of its patrons. The Sporting Season is honoured to be a business partner to such a worthwhile cause.”
Andy Rawlin, CEO, The Sporting Season
The Day
Now in its eighth year, The Princess Michael of Kent Polo Trophy continues to delight supporters with its combination of glamour, style and exclusivity. Held at the beautiful and prestigious Beaufort Polo Club, home to key polo enthusiasts HRH The Prince of Wales and the Tomlinson family, guests have the chance to enjoy:
Champagne reception on the Beaufort Polo Club House lawn
Three course lunch
Thrilling action packed professional and international polo match
Presentation of the Trophy by Princess Michael of Kent to the winning team
A full English tea
The Beaufort Club And SPARKS
The day is organised in partnership with The Beaufort Polo Club and SPARKS. 85% of the net profits go to SPARKS and 15% to the club.
Previous Sponsors
Garrard & Co for five consecutive years until its merger with Asprey in 1999
Zycko
Laird Associates
Event Title Sponsorship £25,000
Sponsor’s name linked to the event title and in all references to the event
Branding Opportunities
Sponsor’s name and event title to be displayed on large score board
Sponsor’s banner to be displayed at drive entrance and around the ground
Sponsor’s stand to be displayed in club house
A full-page advert in the programme for the day
Programme cover for the day
Invitations – 800 printed and sent to all contacts
Tickets on the day – maximum 300
Menu cards
Product Placement
Prizes, auction and prize draw, goodie bags or table gifts
Sponsor to receive verbal mentions over PA system and throughout match commentary
Presentations
Sponsor to present the winning trophy with HRH Princess Michael of Kent
Sponsor to present HRH Princess Michael of Kent with bouquet
Sponsor to present cheque to the SPARKS Chief Executive
Corporate Entertainment
Three VIP tables to entertain 30 guests for the day
Opportunity for sponsor to have ownership of event and invite own colleagues or mix clients with SPARKS supporters – dependent on level of sponsorship
Team Sponsorship £10,000
Opportunity to link sponsor’s name to one of the teams playing
Branding Opportunities
Team shirts with sponsors’ logo
Teams and sponsors’ names on the scoreboard
Three sites for display banners around the ground
Half-page advert in the programme for the day
Site for a product display stand
Corporate Entertainment
Two VIP tables to entertain 20 guests
For other sponsorship opportunities please contact Emma Gouldstone, Events Manager, SPARKS on 0207 799 2111 or email [email protected]