Voices for Children of Tampa Bay Partners with HCP for Volunteer Campaign

TAMPA, Fla. (April 15, 2013) Voices for Children of Tampa Bay has been working with HCP for the past year on a pro bono basis. The goal during that time was to attract Tampa-based volunteers on a larger scale and create a model that would benefit the mission on a statewide level.

HCP took on the challenge using a multi-medium approach that showcased the experiences of those currently volunteering as a guardian, to appeal to others within the community who share their interest in giving back.

The effort started with 12 VFC volunteers of various backgrounds being interviewed without a script. Eric Polins, Senior Strategist/Partner at HCP, worked with Smith and a team of people over the past year to coordinate a regional campaign with limited marketing dollars. “We captured the words of the volunteers and their real-life experiences; it’s highly emotional. Watching these videos makes you want to take on the challenge and do whatever you can to help these children.”

The campaign launched in early April and included broadcast public service announcements for television and radio, print advertising, outdoor billboards, mobile/transit advertising, social media marketing and various other marketing mediums.

VFC Executive Director, Betsy Smith said, “This multimedia/social effort relies on our partnership with community leaders, government and major media partners; together, we aim to identify local volunteer candidates for this very important role with our children. In Hillsborough County alone, there are over 1,200 children without guardianship.”

For more information on Voices for Children of Tampa Bay, or to learn more about becoming a volunteer, please visit www.vfcgal.org.