Latest news and all the info on the nonprofit funding Kirkland, Washington's annual July 4th Celebration


Saturday, July 4, 2009

We'd Like to Wish You...

A Very Happy Fourth of July! Thanks for Making Kirkland's Fourth of July Possible!


Sincerely,
The Celebrate Kirkland and Save Kirkland's Fourth team

Wednesday, July 1, 2009

How Purple Duck Marketing Helped Save Kirkland's Fourth of July: Social Media Marketing in Action!


The Celebrate Kirkland team had a daunting task: to raise at least $30,000 in just a few months. Without donations, Kirkland, Washington, wouldn't put on its annual Fourth of July celebration.

When Kirkland resident Susan Burnash, President of Purple Duck Marketing, heard that there might not be a Kirkland Fourth, she immediately offered to help. Knowing she needed to produce an accelerated response in a short amount of time, Susan turned to Social Media marketing, developing an integrated fundraising campaign.

Susan and the Purple Duck Marketing team, along with their intern, Anna, utilized traditional marketing (e-newsletters, flyers, networking, and media support) in combination with the Social Media platforms Facebook, Twitter, and Blogger. Facebook photo albums, Twitter updates, Blogger news, and a Firstgiving online donation page helped quickly generate awareness.

With over 500 Facebook friends and fans, over 150 Twitter followers, and exposure in the blogosphere, Save Kirkland's Fourth's Social Media marketing stance gave us the power to reach our donation goal in the very short amount of time we had.

As Purple Duck Marketing's greater-Seattle area media relationships produced responses, donations from individuals and businesses began flowing in.

The Save Kirkland's Fourth campaign raised $35,000 dollars, enough to sponsor the annual fireworks and parade. But other cities weren't so fortunate in this difficult economy: Millville, New Jersey; Lawrenceville, Georgia; Yonkers, New York; Newton, Iowa; and Gainesville, Florida have all canceled their Fourth of July fireworks. If it were up to us, all Fourth of July celebrations would be saved this year. But we know it takes hard work, commitment, and the Social Media marketing model advantage. We hope other nonprofits are inspired by our story and apply the Social Media marketing model to their cause!


Thank you, Purple Duck Marketing!
(And Happy Fourth of July!)

Tuesday, June 30, 2009

And the winner is...

The Center For Total Body Awareness, L.L.C., with Kirkland massage expert Jessica Gray, Licensed Massage Practitioner (L.M.P)! Jessica has 10 years experience helping downtown Kirkland unwind—make a visit to get relaxed and ready for this Fourth!

Congratulations, Jessica! We can't wait to see your float!

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Breaking News! Kirkland's Fourth of July Saved!


Mission accomplished! Kirkland’s Fourth of July and fireworks have been saved! Thanks to you, we’ve exceeded our goal and raised $35,000! We could never have saved our Fourth without our Facebook friends and fans, Twitter followers, the local businesses, and the Kirkland community!


THANK YOU!



PS. We’ll see you at the Kirkland Fourth of July!

Monday, June 22, 2009

Who's the Grand Marshal?


This year's Grand Marshal is the Green Team! The Green Team has 20 members, people who work to keep Kirkland "green" now and for the future.

The Green Team has set in place small goals for making Kirkland, Washington, a sustainable city. The team hopes to foster local green activities, design a Climate Action Plan, share ideas on environmental stewardship and sustainable strategies, and educate the community on green practices.

Going green has never been so red, white, and blue!

Sunday, June 21, 2009

Confirmed Parade Participants!


You'll be seeing these businesses and organizations in the 2009 Kirkland Fourth of July parade! Wonder what they'll do with the "Red, white, and blue, and green all over" theme!


(Click on the names to get more info on the organization or business!)

Did we leave out your organization's or business's name? Email us at savekirklandfourth@gmail.com and we'll make sure to mention you!

Saturday, June 20, 2009

The Ex Box Boys Coming to Kirkland's Fourth of July!

The eastside's own Ex Box Boys will be performing at Kirkland's Fourth this year!

The Ex Box Boys are a band centered around video games! But you don't need to pick up a video game controller to enjoy The Ex Box Boys' music—they have easy-to-listen-to, catchy songs that draw rock, pop, and alternative music fans. Which is why we're elated to have them performing on the Fourth of July!

Click here to listen to The Ex Box Boys' music so you'll be able to sing along at the show!



Concert details to come!