2023
MERCHANT INFORMATION for the best viewing experience on a mobile device, turN to landscape orientation
WHAT IS IT?
A HOLIDAY TREE DECORATING CONTEST FOR A VERY WORTHY CAUSE
The Great Decorate | Winter 2023
WHERE DOES IT TAKE PLACE?
MERCHANTS IN BIRMINGHAM IN THE BUSINESS SHOPPING DISTRICT
WHO IS IT FOR?
LOCAL TEENAGERS IN THE FOSTER CARE SYSTEM THAT ARE ABOUT TO "AGE OUT" (TURN 18)
WHEN IS IT?
NOVEMBER 24TH THROUGH DECEMBER 31ST THE ENTIRE HOLIDAY SHOPPING SEASON
WHY WOULD WE DO IT?
TO BRING PEOPLE TO BIRMINGHAM TO SEE THE TREES AND SUPPORT A GREAT CAUSE
The Great Decorate | Winter 2020
HOW DOES IT WORK? DECORATE A TREE
Participants are encouraged to enlist the help of an artist, organization or anyone who might excel at creating a masterpiece. Trees can be any size, shape or design, so get creative!
DISPLAY TREE Trees can be displayed anywhere inside the business, preferably store/window-front, and should remain up for the event duration. See the included codes and rules for placement guidelines.
COLLECT DONATIONS Spectators will vote by donating. Donations are
accepted through an online platform linked to the event website.
PROMOTE VOTING
Participants should encourage in-person donations through unique promotions/events.
DID YOU KNOW?
26,500 TEENS "AGE OUT" OF THE SYSTEM EVERY YEAR IN THE US. 1,700 IN MICHIGAN ALONE.
THE GRIPPING REALITY
EDUCATION
HEALTH
1ST YEAR OUT
70% WANT TO GO
BECAUSE OF THEIR
25% ARE HOMELESS
TO COLLEGE BUT
TRAUMATIC PAST:
ONLY 3% WILL EARN A DEGREE 1 IN 4 WON'T GRADUATE FROM HIGH SCHOOL OR GET A GED
50% ARE
25% HAVE PTSD
UNEMPLOYED
80% HAVE A
75% FEMALES
CHRONIC MEDICAL
BECOME PREGNANT
CONDITIONS, (MOST HAVE 3 OR MORE) 0% HAVE ACCESS TO TREATMENT
80% MALES GET ARRESTED 90% LIVE IN POVERTY
2019
2019 TOTAL RAISED
$15,632
SPONSOR PRIZE MONEY
$1500
WHO RAISED THE FUNDS
Hazel's Staff
TREES DECORATED
8
NO. OF TEEN RECIPIENTS
8
AMOUNT PER TEEN
$1954
2020 TOTAL $56,480 RAISED SPONSOR $12,000 PRIZE MONEY WHO RAISED BSD THE FUNDS Merchants TREES 32 DECORATED NO. OF TEEN 20 RECIPIENTS AMOUNT $2824 PER TEEN
2020
2021 TOTAL $55,540 RAISED SPONSOR $12,000 PRIZE MONEY WHO RAISED BSD THE FUNDS Merchants TREES 34 DECORATED NO. OF TEEN 20 RECIPIENTS AMOUNT $2777 PER TEEN
2021
2022 TOTAL 58,360 RAISED SPONSOR $10,000 PRIZE MONEY WHO RAISED BSD THE FUNDS Merchants TREES 43 DECORATED NO. OF TEEN 20 RECIPIENTS AMOUNT $2918 PER TEEN
2022
PARTICIPANTS ARE EXPECTED TO DECORATE A TREE
RAISE FUNDS
DISPLAY AN
PROMOTE AND
AWESOME,
ENCOURAGE VOTING
DECORATED
(ONLINE OR IN-
HOLIDAY TREE FOR
PERSON)
THE DURATION OF THE EVENT
"FOSTER" THE TEEN
DISPLAY INFORMATION
DISPLAY THE
BSD PROVIDED
INFORMATION
PROMOTIONAL
ABOUT THE FOSTER
MATERIALS THAT
TEEN THAT HAS
SHOULD BE
BEEN PAIRED WITH
DISPLAYED,
THEIR TREE.
INCLUDING AN IDENTIFYING WINDOW CLING
ALL MONEY RAISED
IS DIVIDED EQUALLY BETWEEN EVERY FOSTER TEEN
TWO WINNERS WILL RECIEVE A A PRIZE (AMOUNT TO BE DETERMINED)
people's choice
judge's pick
THE TREE THAT RAISES THE MOST MONEY
CHOSEN BY A PANEL OF NON-BIASED JUDGES
DONATED BY A LOCAL PHILANTHROPIST
The Big Picture The Rochester Big Bright Light Show attracts more than 1 million visitors each year, according to the DDA.
Make an Effort
Design a captivating tree that people will want to see
worried about space?
Think outside of the box and don't forget, you're operating at 50% capacity
SOME FINE PRINT AND A WORD FROM OUR FINE FRIENDS AT THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Marketing Strategy SOCIAL MEDIA CAMPAIGNS IN-STORE PROMOTIONS POSTERS AND FLYERS SPONSOR OUTREACH PRINT ADVERTISING EMAIL CAMPAIGNS MEDIA COVERAGE
The Great Decorate | Winter 2021
Wa
nt to get inv olv ed? Con tac Bet t h H uss ey
501c3
BOARD OF DIRECTORS BETH HUSSEY-Hazel, Ravines & Downtown, Co-Owner TARA FORTNEY-GLWAS, Area Manager and Foster Parent STEPHANIE CASOLA-Public Relations, Founder of Prologue ANDY CHAPMAN-Rexer Design, Graphic Designer JESSICA THOMPSON-Director of Mare.Org HOLLY NIEMI-Hazel's, Friend and do-gooder
The Great Decorate | Winter 2020
Click here to register participate: COUNT ME IN
thegreatdecorate.com
Get in Touch
BETH HUSSEY beth@thegreatdecorate.com (248) 765-0237 TARA FORTNEY tara@thegreatdecorate.com ( 248) 321-2095 MAILING ADDRESS 34977 Woodward Ave, Birmingham, MI 48220
"THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE GIFT. I REALLY APPRECIATE WHAT YOU GUYS DID AND MAY GOD BLESS Y'ALL" -AUGUST, 2019 RECIPIENT (1 OF 8)
the giving doesn't stop here ASK US ABOUT THE ON-GOING GUIDANCE PROGRAM We are looking for people to add to our list of volunteers that have agreed to mentor these young adults by sharing their expertise and life skills with one-on-one counseling or group workshops.
A FEW EXAMPLES: Money Management - To advise them on how best to use their money, start a bank account, etc. Job Search Basics -Resume building, interview skills, etc Continuing Education - How to apply, choosing the right kind of school, etc.
The Great Decorate | Winter 2020
Thank you