One hundred years ago, an extraordinary man was born: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr.
In life, he impacted the world with his philanthropy, service, and love of people, sending ripples through the communities of Western New York and Southeast Michigan. After his passing, an impression remained on the hearts of the people he affected—including those he entrusted with his namesake foundation. In honor of what would have been Mr. Wilson’s 100th birthday, the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation planned to make an announcement that would forever change Western New York and Southeast Michigan: a $100 million investment in parks and trails in each region, totaling $200 million. Both gifts would go toward creating signature legacy parks in Buffalo and Detroit, and to providing access to them through a connected trail system. The foundation wanted to achieve maximum impact. So before the big announcement, they turned to The Martin Group for help.
Our team strategically teased target audiences using a host of tactics, guiding them from curiosity to complete amazement. Drawing from a deep pool of PR, digital, creative, and social media expertise, our team developed e-blasts, fact sheets, video content, press kits, event branding, a landing page, social media content, as well as a book honoring the life and legacy of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. The campaign culminated in press conferences in Buffalo and Detroit, as well as a dinner celebrating Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. and the gifts that will make a lasting impact on two great regions. To the delight of the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, the announcement resounded throughout Western New York and Southeast Michigan, achieving national media attention. But more importantly, it inspired the people Ralph loved most to hope, to dream, and to enjoy their best lives. And we’re sure Ralph wouldn’t have had it any other way.