stand-out business gifts · companies that gave holiday gifts in 2014, according to a study by the...
TRANSCRIPT
FALL 2015
4im
pri
nt
Stand-Out Business Gifts
15 Step It Up
19 Goodwill and Good Cheer
Every year around this time, I go shopping.
As Board Chair for the Aplastic Anemia & MDS International Foundation, the holidays are the perfect time of year to say ‘thank you’ to the other volunteer board members.
FROM THE EDITOR
Kevin, with 4imprint 24 years
For more business gift -giving tips,
see our cover story on page 8.
If you have other topics you’d like to see us research or tackle in a future issue, please email [email protected] with your idea. We’d love to hear from you!
Appropriate Because we volunteer for a non-profit organization,
I want to be sure the gift conveys my gratitude
without being over-the-top. Of course, if you are a
luxury brand, thank you gifts may need to have a
real presence to seem appropriate to the recipient.
Transport-ready Board members travel from across the country to
serve, making it imperative that a gift can easily
travel home with them.
Useful When recipients find a gift useful, they’re
more likely to carry it with them. And, when
they carry it with them, it helps spread the
word about the organization.
Imprint type When you put your logo on a gift, less is often
more. That’s why subtle imprints like debossing
or embroidery can make a gift stand out.
While gifts have ranged from the Ambassador Bound Journal Book to a Fleece Scarf, the underlying
sentiment remains the same. I am grateful for board members’ willingness to share both time and
talents, helping find a cure for rare bone marrow failure diseases.
When choosing a gift, I keep these criteria in mind:
Gear up for holiday parties If you’re like us, you’ve probably tossed
around a variety of different holiday party
formulas. But, until now, there was no
published research to help you compare how
your organization’s holiday party stacks up.
Our first ‘Holiday Parties’ survey findings
change that. Check out the full story on page 19.
Kevin Lyons-Tarr, CEO, 4imprint
CONTENTS
CONTENTS3
PROMO HUNT 25
REMARKABLE MOMENT 26Grace Notes Soar
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT 12Top Business Gifts for 2015
TREND 19Goodwill and Good Cheer
DID YOU KNOW? 23‘Tis the Season for Donations
COVER STORY 8Stand-out Business Gifts
EDITORIAL BOARD 4
CONTRIBUTORS 5
OVERHEARD 6
LASTING IMPRESSIONS 15Step It Up
TC Kids In Need @TCKidsInNeed
Thank you to @4imprint for a grant to get awesome TCKINRC products to our volunteers! #SportBottle #StringPack
When you download the Amplify app to your
mobile phone or tablet, you’ll get access to
additional interactive content, including audio
interviews, videos, photo galleries and more.
Best of all, you’ll be updated when each new issue
of Amplify is available.
Amplify Your Experience
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.
Cozy blankets make great company gifts!
EDITORIAL BOARD4 EDITORIAL BOARD4
EDITORIAL BOARD
How do you make a business holiday party one that employees can’t wait to attend?Editorial board members share their secrets.
Join our editorial board!Email [email protected] by November 30 with your name, company, job
title and a brief description of why you would be a great fit for the editorial board.
Brooke BrowneMARKETING MANAGERSmartbridge
It’s always a
challenge to
outdo ourselves
each year.
While we have a
party planning
committee, we
still survey staff members in January to
see what interests them. Because of the
results, we’re shifting to a casual, camp-
like affair--completely different from our
dressy, museum evening last year. We
also get people excited by trickling teasers
and save-the-dates as early as August.
No one leaves empty handed, either.
We incorporate door prizes at the event
through scavenger hunts and a prize
wheel when they first arrive.
Make the
atmosphere festive
and give great
gifts. Blankets and
fleece shirts with
company logos are
always nice.
Joetta TalfordREALTORTalford Realty Group-Keller Williams Realty
Winter Fleece Blanket
Suzanne Worwood VP Merchandising 4imprint
In this issue, Suzanne talks about some of the
best business gifts to add to your holiday list.
Suzanne has been with 4imprint since 2000.
CONTRIBUTORS
CONTRIBUTORS5
Meet this month’s featured contributors.
Kenny Werle and the Flora Springs Winery
& Vineyards in St. Helena, Calif., supplied
photos for our “Stand-out Business Gifts”
cover story.
You!
On Facebook®, Twitter®, Pinterest® and by
email, customers shared images of the
promotional bags they keep within arm’s
reach. Those ideas are featured in Overheard.
Ben Hejkal Photography took the photos
of Midwest Lindy Fest used in our Lasting
Impressions article, “Step It Up.”
Full Circle Marketing in Wyckoff, N.J.,
provided the photo used in the “Promotional
Products are Everywhere” photo hunt.
Curtis Bustamante and EYE-Q Vision in Fresno,
California, provided a photo for our “Goodwill
and Good Cheer” holiday parties article.
geminilegal
It’s true, this James Bond attired fellow has one of the Original Gemini messenger bags from a convention almost 8 years ago! Mr. Borah is an attorney who has, we’re told, carried this unassuming bag across country and back and to dozens of CLEs, across thousands of miles. #SwaggingRights
Cindy_RedDeer @cindyreddeer
We got our new bags for work done by @4imprint, they look great and are the perfect size. :) #SwaggingRights
OVERHEARD
OVERHEARD6
Bags that earn you #SwaggingRights
Educate Bohol @EducateBohol
@4imprint Thx for the bags! 180 children on Calituban Island (Bohol, Philippines) received bags w/ school supplies. #SwaggingRights
projectgive906
Thank you Keith Kakuk of Keeter’s Construction for donating the giveaway bags for Project Give’s 1st Annual Golf Outing! Also, thank you to @4imprint for doing an awesome job getting them here quickly! #SwaggingRights
OVERHEARD
Visit our Pinterest® board for more promotional bags.
Bags that earn you #SwaggingRights
Karen of Swedenborg Foundation sent us this fabulous photo of her promotional products. Thank you, Karen!
Bhavani from the Kickstand Bike Shop in Beaumont, TX, shared a photo of his promotional bags and bottles that were used for an organized bike ride. We hope your event was successful!
“Here’s an action shot of my tote bag that features my store’s motto - love, welcome, serve! It’s great quality - we’re very pleased. Thank you!” - Amy, Springdale, AR. You’re welcome!“We loved our cooler bags!!”
- Deann, Missoula, MT. Thanks for the photo! We share the same enthusiasm for promotional bags!
OVERHEARD7
Stand-Out Business Gifts
COVER STORY
By Kelli Karpinski
Choosing gifts that will warm your customers’ hearts
When it comes to giving holiday business
gifts, Eric Grossman works hard to
build upon past successes.
The president of Graphic Alliance, Inc., a
graphic design, printing, signage and website
business in Arlington Heights, Ill., buys
80 to 100 holiday gifts for his best clients.
Each year brings a new challenge to buy a
gift that is useful for discerning executive
customers, both male and female. Because
these customers have been so good to him
throughout the year, he gives back with gifts
they won’t soon forget.
Grossman is among the 62 percent of
companies that gave holiday gifts in 2014,
according to a study by the Advertising
Specialty Institute (ASI). And, he’s already
chosen his 2015 gift (but his secret is safe with
us!). According to the study, the top corporate
gifts include food and beverages, desk
accessories, writing utensils and calendars.
Buying stand-out giftsWhat is the highest form of praise in gift-
giving? While hearing, “Thank you! I love it.”
is good, hearing that a customer, client, donor
or volunteer frequently uses a gift is great.
SCORE, a national small business counseling
organization, suggests thinking about where
the gift recipients spend most of their time,
and buying gifts to fit that need. For example,
sales people who spend a majority of their day
in the car may appreciate gadgets or items
normally used while driving.
“Practicality is always fashionable,” says
Suzanne Worwood, 4imprint vice president of
merchandising.
“A gift that is useful, personal and matched to the recipient’s lifestyle can make
a big impact.”
By following this advice, Grossman believes
it’s a win for both recipients and the gift
giver. “If I can give them a product they can
use in everyday life to make it easier or more
enjoyable, it puts me in a positive light,”
Grossman said.
So, how does he match practical and tasteful?
His gifts have included a vented golf umbrella,
a present that has kept executives in big cities
like New York and Chicago dry on their daily
commute. He’s also given embossed leather
carrying cases that are perfect for meetings
COVER STORY Stand-Out Business Gifts9
62% of companies gave holiday gifts in 2014
or tackling projects while on the train to and
from work. Grossman considers these higher-
end products an investment in future sales.
“I treat them to nicer products,” Grossman said. “When it’s time that they
really need it, they will think about where it came from and say ‘That guy rocks!’”
Kenny Werle, Wine Club director for the Flora
Springs Winery & Vineyards in St. Helena,
Calif., also buys for customers with more
sophisticated tastes. His holiday wine shipment
comes with wine- or winter-related gifts. Past
choices have been a logo’d knit cap and scarf.
“I try to do something where our logo is
visible so that they’ll see it many times,”
he said. “It’s a two-way thing where you
make them happy for giving them a gift,
but hopefully, they’ll see our logo on the gift
enough so that they call to order more.”
Be unforgettableEvery month is gift-giving month for Werle,
who includes a gift with every shipment to his
high-end wine club, Preferred Palates. Despite
this group’s discerning taste in wine, he hasn’t
had difficulty finding gifts these customers
enjoy. Very few wine clubs go that extra mile,
making Flora Springs stand out.
COVER STORY Stand-Out Business Gifts10
Kenny Werle gives winter- and wine-related gifts during the holidays.
“The coolest thing they say is ‘We’ve canceled
all of our wine clubs except yours because of
the gifts that you send,’” he said. “We’d like
them to say it’s because of our great wine!
Literally, every time we send something out,
there is always someone who wants to get
more or purchase more.”
Grossman has turned corporate gift-giving
on its head. Most companies that give
promotional products put their own logo on
the gift, but Grossman’s gifts are imprinted
with the recipients’ logos.
“I always give them a gift with their brand on it,”
Grossman said.
“I usually give products they would never
think to buy for themselves, so they would
never see them with their brand. It may
not have my name on it, but they know the
company that gave it to them.”
Make your list, check it twiceIf you’re on the hunt for the perfect business
gift, a little research may go a long way.
Considering how the recipient will use the
product is just part of the thought process. If
you are buying for co-workers, direct reports
or bosses, does your company have written
rules or unwritten practices that apply?
If you are buying for vendors or clients, do
their human resources departments limit
employees from accepting gifts over a certain
dollar limit or accepting gifts at all?
Sari Bedevian had to check her list for those
considerations and more. Before retiring
earlier this year, she taught at the Bronx
School of Law and Finance High School
in New York and was in charge of buying
gifts for about 40 teachers. While teachers
sometimes exchanged personal holiday cards
with each other, the official gift-giving season
was in May.
“We didn’t have a holiday party. We had
an end-of-the-term party,” she said. “My
principal chose to gift everyone during
Teacher Appreciation Week. People were very
appreciative of the gifts.”
No matter which gift you choose, or when you
choose to give it, in the end, your clients and
employees will appreciate the time you spent
to show your gratitude. Happy Holidays!
COVER STORY Stand-Out Business Gifts11
Make a list on authentic Post -it® Notes!
Exclusive - To Do Post-it® Notes
Top Business Giftsfor 2015
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
Gift ideas for your office Santa Claus
By Suzanne Worwood, VP Merchandising
Travelers, Coffee Fans, Tea Devotees Whether your gift is going to a road warrior,
coffee fan or tea devotee, the Contigo West
Loop Travel Tumbler – 16 oz. is sure to delight.
Auto-seal technology makes this tumbler
spill-proof and leak-proof. And the stainless-
steel, double-wall construction keeps hot
beverages hot and cold beverages cold,
without condensation. Holiday hot cocoa
never tasted so good!
You’ve made your Pinterest® board. You’ve checked it twice. If you’re playing Santa Claus this year and selecting gifts for people on your organization’s holiday
list, you want to be sure you’ve selected the gifts that evoke a genuine “Wow! Thank you!” These
brand-name gifts do just that, helping you turn an ordinary year-end holiday gift into something a
bit more extraordinary. For inspiration, check out these (Pin-worthy) favorites. Happy shopping!
Tech Users and Urbanites If your customers or team members tote a
laptop wherever they go, the sleek design of
the Case Logic Jaunt 15.6" Laptop Backpack
will grab their attention. Gadget lovers
appreciate the space for a laptop, tablet and
cord storage. Mesh side pockets provide room
for a water bottle. Embroider the stylish
backpack with your logo (or theirs, for an
added surprise), and your customers will think
of you each time they pick it up! That’s a gift
that keeps on giving.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT Top Business Gifts for 201513
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
Case Logic® Jaunt 15.6" Laptop Backpack
T his high-tech tumbler keeps beverages hot or cold without
the condensation!
Contigo® West Loop Travel Tumbler
16 oz.
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT Top Business Gifts for 201514
Cross® Signature Journal with Pen
PRODUCT HIGHLIGHT
Prepare for colder weather with this cozy personalized soft -shell jacket.
Note Takers Looking for a gift that’ll speak to both
traditional and non-traditional note takers?
Gadget lovers will appreciate the fine feel
of the Cross Signature Journal with Pen,
which can be debossed with your logo.
Seasoned note takers will love the detail—
a Cross metal pen, cleverly stored at the
ready, and a ribbon page marker to help
users easily find their spot. The design is
so beautiful you may want to add it to your
own wish list.
Outdoors Lovers If the recipients on your gift list
love being outside, you’ll enjoy
watching them unwrap the
Eddie Bauer Active Soft Shell
Jacket (in Men’s and Women’s
styles). Water-resistant
fabric, a warm, breathable
lining and interior storm
flap make this a gift they’ll
reach for again and again.
Eddie Bauer® Active Soft Shell Jacket
LASTING IMPRESSIONS
Lindy dancers find success with a new promotional product.
Step It Up
Photo courtesy of Ben Hejkal Photography
By Kelli Karpinski
Lindy Hop dancers need more than a smooth
dance floor to show off their moves.
They need to stay energized to keep up with
the demands of the dance’s fancy footwork. In
short, they crave a basic necessity—water.
So, when the organizers of the Minneapolis/
St. Paul Midwest Lindy Fest (MWLF) were
formulating a plan to keep the water flowing,
they tapped promotional products.
Practical meets unforgettable Midwest Lindy Fest is part social, part dance
competition that attracts Lindy enthusiasts
to the Twin Cities from all corners of the
United States and some parts of the world.
At the 2015 event, dancers eased into the
weekend with a Thursday riverboat cruise,
complete with socializing and, of course,
dancing. By Friday, the action was literally
heating up. Competitions like the Jack and
LASTING IMPRESSIONS Step It Up16
Ben White and Kendra Strode show their Lindy dance moves at Midwest Lindy Fest.
Photo courtesy of Ben Hejkal Photography
Jill were underway, pairing familiar moves
with the unknown as participants are coupled
randomly with familiar partners or strangers
to dance to a song that may or may not be
familiar.
“It’s a very athletic dance,” says Kendra
Strode, MWLF Productions board member.
Let the thirst begin In the past, water was stored in a big cooler
(the kind you see on football game day
sidelines) and served in plastic cups. Dancers
used a permanent marker to make the cups
their own. Organizers knew they needed a
more practical solution and opted to take
advantage of the venue’s water fountain,
which features a bottle-filling sensor.
That was the first phase
of their plan. Phase two:
Ordering water bottles
that would serve the dual
purpose of quenching
dancers’ thirst while
simultaneously equipping
them with a memory of
the festival.
Black water bottles with
the MWLF logo imprinted
in white proved to be the
perfect fit.
“They looked so crisp and so
fantastic,” she said. “They really came out beautifully.”
Etching a new plan Selling the black bottles—the color added
polish to the festivities—solved one problem
but led to another. How would participants
tell their bottles from the rest? A permanent
marker wouldn’t show, and stickers would fall
off the bottles’ exterior. Strode’s housemate
came to the rescue with her rotary tool. Why
not allow participants to engrave their names
on the bottles?
So Strode ordered samples and engraved
“the heck out of them.” The test was a success.
And so were water bottle sales.
LASTING IMPRESSIONS Step It Up17
T his h2go® Hydra Sport Bottle was the perfect companion
for thirsty dancers.
Photo courtesy of Ben Hejkal Photography
“It worked incredibly well,” she said. “They were
a tremendous hit. People really got a kick out of
it. We ended up selling out of the water bottles.”
Being a creative crew by nature, dancers didn’t
just engrave initials or a name on the water
bottle. Some doodled. A few created works of
art, some with so much panache, other dancers
“commissioned” the artists to add flair to their
water bottles. In the end, the water bottles
made a big impression.
And Strode can attest first-hand to the practical
use and stand-out quality of the elegant black
water bottle. Shortly after Midwest Lindy
Fest, she traveled to Sweden, the mecca of
swing dance camps. And, there across the
dance floor, she spotted it—an engraved
black water bottle.
“It was a tremendous success,” Strode said. “We’re really happy
we did it.”
LASTING IMPRESSIONS Step It Up18
Roll-up Fleece Blanket Hanes® Nano-T Slant Sportpack
When you download the Amplify app to your mobile phone or
tablet, you’ll get access to additional interactive content, including
audio interviews, videos, photo galleries and more. Best of all,
you’ll be updated when each new issue of Amplify is available.
Amplify Your Experience
Apple, the Apple logo, iPhone and iPad are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.
Promotional products for active events
Roll-up Fleece Blanket Hanes® Nano-T Slant Sportpack
TREND
Good CheerGoodwill and
By Kelli Karpinski
Companies thank employees, celebrate at holiday parties
TREND Goodwill and Good Cheer20
75% of companies plan to host a holiday party this year
Thousands of employees around the
United States can look forward to
celebrating a year of hard work and
achievements in 2015. A growing number
of human resources teams say this will be
a booming year for holiday parties.
According to a 4imprint survey of human
resources professionals nationwide, 75
percent plan to host a holiday party this year.
Of the 25 percent not planning a party, 28
percent will be giving their employees gifts
and 21 percent will give a monetary bonus
for reaching a business goal. Still others plan
to host employee recognition programs or
provide breakfast or lunch as a thank you.
“It’s a good way to end the year,” said Curtis
Bustamante, human resources manager for
EYE-Q Vision Care Center in Fresno. (Party
pictured on page 19.) “It helps lift morale.
It lets employees relax.”
Employees, spouses and clients, oh my! With so many parties in the works, who is
expected to attend these soirees and special
events? More than half of holiday party
planners invite spouses and/or guests to the
events while nearly 40 percent will invite
only employees. Other respondents said they
invite board members or clients to join them
in celebration.
At Indiana Limestone Company, the holiday
party is geared to employees (spouses are
invited to a summer company picnic). The
mill and quarry workers knock off early
(with pay) from work, come dressed as they
are and share a meal. Laura Cooper, human
resources lead, says managers use the time
to mingle with employees and provide an
update on the state of the company. Indiana
Limestone Company employees welcome the
camaraderie and company status discussion.
“I hope they get a chance to spend time eating
with the management team,” she said. “We
want all the employees to see we are investing
in the company and in them.”
“The party last year was a big hit. Just the fact that we had a chance to get together was something they hadn’t
seen in a long time.”
Ambiance ranges from simple to sophisticatedThe party atmosphere differs among
respondent organizations, with 25 percent
of respondents saying this year’s party
will be casual and 11 percent saying they
are planning a formal, black-tie affair.
Most, however, expect guests to dress in
professional business or business
casual attire.
Survey results show that the more casual the
party, the more likely it will be held onsite for
employees only. Of those hosting a black tie
affair, 72 percent will invite spouses or guests,
and 94 percent will host the party offsite.
On the other hand, 50 percent of businesses
planning a casual get-together will host it for
employees only, and only 38 percent will host
the party offsite. However, planners of casual
parties are more likely to spend more in 2015
than they did last year—20 percent of those
planning a casual event expect to spend more,
compared to 11 percent of those planning a
formal affair.
At the office and on the town From nights on the town to special events
at the office, survey respondents report
planning holiday parties find their homes at a
wide variety of locations.
More than 81 percent say they hold the party
offsite—somewhere other than at their place
of business—and 88 percent will host it
between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day.
TREND21 Goodwill and Good Cheer
TREND22 Goodwill and Good Cheer
“The holiday party is a good way to reconnect, see each other and reminisce.”
The myriad locations reflect a wide range
of budgets associated with the events. More
than 71 percent of respondents say they plan
to hold expenses to the amount they spent in
2014, but more than 17 percent say they will
spend more, and 3 percent didn’t hold a party
last year but plan to in 2015.
Bustamante, who gained experience
coordinating holiday parties at his previous
job, is taking the party-planning reigns for
the first time EYE-Q Vision Center. EYE-Q
had previously hosted a formal gala with
dinner and dancing, but an employee survey
revealed that spouses and guests prefer a
more casual event, so this year, he is in the
8 percent of respondents who say they are
cutting back. Bustamante plans to create a
carnival atmosphere for the 230 employees
and their guests.
“In my case, it’s about getting creative to have
it be fun,” he said.
Different parties, one common goal While no two parties look the same, it is
likely most are held with a common goal
in mind—to say thank you to employees
and provide them with an opportunity to
relax with co-workers and management.
Bustamante says he believes employees
want to work for a company that is willing
to spend some money for fun, so he
considers hosting a holiday party as
having an edge over the competition.
For both Bustamante and Cooper, who have
employees at multiple sites, the party is also
an opportunity for their company family to
be together. “It’s kind of a reunion for
employees,” Bustamante said.
Top View Tin - M&M’s® Mega Red Wine Glass Key Light with Bottle Opener
Promotional products for holiday parties Click the keychain end to
activate the bright white LED light!
DID YOU KNOW?
‘Tis the Season for DonationsCall it the ultimate holiday spirit. Charitable donations rise dramatically at year-end. Check out these trends.
23 DID YOU KNOW?
Charitable gifts made in
of total charitable gifts
DECEMBER
2014
17.8%
Guengerich, Gail. “Online Fundraising Trends.” Upleaf. N.p., 11 May 2015.
Annual nonprofit fundraising
Funds given offline
8.9% Online giving increase (2013 to 2014)
Funds given online
6.7%93%
Good news! Charitable giving is expected to grow in and .
“Philanthropy Report: U.S. Charitable Giving Projected Grow 2015, 2016.” NonProfit PRO. N.p., 25 Feb. 2015. Web. 07 Aug. 2015.
Projected U.S. giving (overall)
Individual giving Foundation giving
Giving by estates Corporate giving
4.4% 4.1%
7.2% 6.7%
2015 2016
6%
4.8%
2.7%
6.3%
4.8% 4.9%
The future of giving
DID YOU KNOW?
How prepared are you to take advantage of giving growth?
Which generation gives the most to charity?
Men make more gifts to charity than women.
Donors want big ideas.
TraditionalistsBaby BoomersMillennials Gen X-ers
TRUE FALSE
TRUE
TRUE
FALSE
FALSE
Test your readiness!
1
2
3
4
Donors rarely volunteer. Volunteers rarely donate.
Perry, Gail. “Top 10 Major Donor Fundraising Trends for 2014-15.” Fired-Up Fundraising with Gail Perry. N.p., 27 June 2014. Web. 12 Aug. 2015.
Jacobs, Deborah L. “Charitable Giving: Baby Boomers Donate More, Study Shows.” Forbes. 8 Aug. 2013. Web. 17 Aug. 2015.
Source: “Boost Your Year-End Fundraising with #GivingTuesday.” - Resource Center. Association of Fundraising Professionals, n.d. Web. 07 Aug. 2015.
#GivingTuesday tips! Giving Tuesday is the first Tuesday after Thanksgiving.
Email prospective donors Cyber Monday AND Giving Tuesday.
Promote it on your website home page.
Promote yourself on social networks with the #GivingTuesday hashtag!
1 2 3
#GivingTuesday
PROMO HUNT
Promotional Products are EVERYWHEREThese people are having a great time with promotional products at
their side. Can you spot the 13 promotional products at this event?
One, two, three, go!
25 PROMO HUNT
Promo product example
REMARKABLE MOMENT
Grace Notes SoarBy Erin Van Handel
Violinists Liam Murphy and Michael Giovanniello share their love of music with an audience that often doesn’t have access to live performances: residents of nursing homes.
The high school seniors make up Grace
Notes. Since the group formed in August
2014, they’ve logged about 65 performances
at nursing homes and senior centers in the
Vienna, Va., area.
Audience members, many of whom have
dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, are so
receptive, Grace Notes has been booking
more gigs. Family members tell the boys
their performance made a loved one smile,
Giovanniello said.
“It has a tangible impact,” he said.
Last winter, the boys ordered Christmas
ornaments, featuring the group’s name and
website, and gave them to the nursing homes
they visited.
“Residents and staff loved the ornaments,” Murphy
said. “In promoting ourselves, we’re promoting
all entertainers visiting nursing homes.”
Following a news story about Grace Notes on
a local television station, the public offered
donations, but the boys asked would-be donors
to instead contribute to the Alzheimer’s
Association, a national organization whose
goal is to fund research and enhance care for
people with the disease. Murphy reported that
to date, Grace Notes has encouraged about
$20,000 in donations.
Both boys want to keep playing to seniors as
much as they can. “Residents are happy to see us,
even when we play terribly,” Giovanniello said.
“Once you start, you can’t stop,” Murphy said.
“It would feel weird to stop.”
REMARKABLE MOMENT
REMARKABLE MOMENT Grace Notes Soar27
To discover more about Grace Notes, visit www.gracenotesclassical.org.
Satin Flat Ornament
Ideal for holiday parties and fundraisers during the holiday season.