Central Florida Nonprofits Shine During Victory Cup Initiative 2018

Victory Cup Initiative’s third annual philanthropic competition was a morning filled with compelling stories of service. Ten notable area nonprofits presented their inspirational messages to a team of judges, and Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation emerged as the grand prize winner, receiving $20,000. This year’s event awarded $52,000 in prizes and participation grants to deserving organizations and has awarded more than $130,000 since its inception.

As a nonprofit marketing agency, we’re pleased to support this important initiative focusing on outstanding nonprofits from Orange, Seminole and Osceola Counties. These nonprofits, selected yearly, partake in a storytelling session to develop their message. Participants then attend a second session with professional communicators to refine their messaging and public speaking skills. Finally, during the competition, participants deliver their stories in front of an audience of local philanthropists who select the winners.

Grand prize winner Cannonball Kids’ cancer Foundation is committed to finding better treatments and improving the quality of life for children battling cancer, while striving to create awareness and educate for change.

A second-place prize of $15,000 was awarded to ELEVATE Orlando and a third-place prize of $10,000 to IDignity. The seven remaining participants each received a $1,000 participation grant. These include: Hebni Nutrition Consultants, Inc., Holocaust Center of Florida, IDEAS, La Amistad Foundation, Inc., New Hope for Kids, The Orlando Repertory Theatre and Zebra Coalition.

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In addition to developing their message, the event is designed to provide a high-profile opportunity for selected nonprofits to build branding strategies and partner with business and community partners to further their mission to serve Central Floridians. This year’s sold out event attracted nearly 500 attendees.

“I believe when we hear each other’s stories, we become enlightened and inspired to find opportunities to collaborate and make Central Florida a great place to live,” said Ashley Vann, founder of Victory Cup Initiative and president of Vann Strategies. “I am delighted Victory Cup Initiative draws attention to these deserving nonprofit organizations, helps strengthen their messages and connects them with a room filled with people who value the important work they do.”

New to this year’s event, students from the Glenridge Middle School and Howard Middle School digital video production programs were invited to create a one-minute video for each finalist. The students visited the nonprofits multiple times to obtain video footage and develop their storylines. They then edited and produced the final videos, which premiered during the event. The nonprofits will receive the final videos for use on their websites and outreach efforts.

“Our new Youth Initiative is a powerful way to introduce students to the needs in our community and the nonprofits that work tirelessly on behalf our residents,” said Vann.

Glenridge Middle School eighth grader Angelie Velasquez worked on the video for the La Amistad Foundation and was impacted by the experience. “I realized after this visit, I should participate in helping the community more often, and it is important to help people who may not be living like you or me,” she said.

As a nonprofit marketing agency, we’re encouraged and inspired by the spirit and passion these students brought to creating their videos. “The amount of hours students spent telling their stories was incredible,” said Diana LaRue, Appleton’s CEO and creative director.

The presenting sponsor of Victory Cup Initiative 2018 was Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation.

“The support we have received from Edyth Bush Charitable Foundation and its president, David Odahowski, since Victory Cup Initiative was founded is invaluable,” said Vann. “Their contributions have made it possible to expose worthy nonprofits to a broader audience and, now, introduce our youth to the value of giving.”

Returning for the third year as a title sponsor, we were proud to offer full marketing support to this year’s event. In addition to providing Victory Cup Initiative branding and marketing services during the past three years, LaRue, is a founding and current board member for the organization. Since its inception, we’ve created and continues to maintain the Victory Cup brand, including logos, website, videos, digital marketing and event collateral.

Our team of specialized nonprofit marketing agency experts can help your organization or business connect more effectively with its audiences in an authentic, meaningful way. Our award-winning, full-service marketing and advertising agency is located in Orlando, Florida. Appleton Creative works with local, national and international clients to provide branding and marketing strategies through print, web, social media and video production. We want to learn about your business, empower your marketing team and be your creative resource. Your branding goals are worth a conversation: contact us at 407-246-0092 or info@appletoncreative.com.