ENVIRONMENTAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD – 11 YEARS OF HONORING STUDENTS MANKO, GOLD, KATCHER & FOX, LLP PARTNERS WITH WAWA AND 6 ABC-TV

Client:

Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox, LLP – Environmental law firm, based in the Greater Philadelphia area

Situation:

Many years ago, when Manko, Gold, Katcher & Fox (MGKF) was our new client, we were seeking a unique press opportunity for them. Publicizing a law firm can be complicated, due to client confidentiality, so creative planning is often the best source for potential press value.

Sharla worked with MGKF partner Robb Fox and they created a program that highlighted the mission of the firm as well as benefitted local schools. In 2004, they created the “Environmental Community Service Award” which recognizes outstanding educational programs where students support the sustainability of their neighborhoods. Seeking a corporate partner, we were fortunate to collaborate with Wawa since the first year and as a media partner, for nine years it was NBC 10 and, then after change of management at the station, 6abc TV joined our efforts.

Schools throughout the region submit their environmental programs and a team of judges from three EPA offices (PA, NJ and DE), the Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences and Fairmount Waterworks Interpretive Center help select the winners. Two schools win each year and receive a $5,000 honorarium, provided by Wawa and MGKF. In-kind support from our television partner brings great media results from the onset – announcing the award, posting award information on their hugely popular website, providing a meteorologist to present the award with our Wawa partner and a partner of the MGKF, and then airing a lengthy story on the presentation. Wawa is just as supportive throughout the process – reaching out to schools, posting information on social media and in stores and providing the Wawa Goose to make it even more exciting for the students.

PR Results: In addition to the coverage by 6abc TV, we often get local newspaper coverage as well and it is an excellent example of the firm’s commitment to the community, which they share with their clients. And, best of all, the schools receive much needed funds to continue their environmental programs and are proud to boast about their participation.