Ink Link Marketing, a South Florida-based PR and marketing firm, was recently named “Partner of the Year 2012,” by the national Armed Services YMCA. The recognition comes on the heels of the one-year anniversary of the partners’ combined efforts to support military families through the assistance of Buffets, Inc. – one the nation’s largest steak-buffet companies.
“Ink Link Marketing has been fortunate to support community organizations like the ASYMCA by leveraging the relationships and resources we have with our clients,” said Kim Miller, President of Ink Link Marketing. “We are honored to align with a reputable charity like the ASYMCA and to be the recipient of this very special award.”
The past year was filled with a number of shining moments including successful in-store music promotions at Buffets’ restaurants that resulted in a $25,000 grant to the ASYMCA for their camp program, $750,000 of in-kind support via a direct mail program with a circulation of 11 million, and a significant increase in traditional and social media awareness for the ASYMCA. Both organizations have their sights on bigger shared goals as they continue their partnership in the coming year.
Ink Link initiated the partnership for Buffets, Inc. with the ASYMCA in July 2012, when it launched the buffet company’s first in-store music promotion featuring country music duo Montgomery Gentry. Subsequent music programs included a holiday promotion with country music legend Charlie Daniels and the most recent promotion with popular country music singer, actor and writer Billy Ray Cyrus. Profits raised through in-store CD sales were dedicated to the ASYMCA Operation Outdoors, a camp program that helps children of military cope while their parents are deployed.
“Our partnership with Ink Link Marketing has far exceeded our expectations,” said Brittany Catton, Director of Marketing for the ASYMCA. “Not only have their efforts through clients like Buffets, Inc. impacted military children and our Operation Outdoors camp program, they have also brought unprecedented visibility to the ASYMCA as a whole with their creative outreach with celebrities.”
In addition, Ink Link Marketing and the ASYMCA are collaborating on other efforts to further increase awareness for the charitable partner. Ink Link is exploring new music promotions and other programs for assisting the ASYMCA and its constituents. The partners are also reviewing other ASYMCA initiatives in need of support like Operation Kid Comfort, a quilt program that offers free personalized quilts for children of deployed military.
For more information about programs offered by the ASYMCA, visit online at www.ASYMCA.org.
Ink Link Marketing, LLC is a full-service PR and promotions agency that specializes in the restaurant and food service industry. Founded by seasoned marketing and public relations professional, Kimberly Miller, Ink Link is based in South Florida and has satellite offices in Los Angeles and Chicago. For more information about Ink Link Marketing, visit online at www.InkLinkMarketing.com.
The Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA) provides low and no-cost programs to make military life easier for over 500,000 active-duty enlisted military and their families annually. Innovative, direct programs and services are tailored to the needs of local military installations nationwide. The ASYMCA received its’ 7th consecutive 4-star rating (highest) from Charity Navigator in 2012, placing it in the top 2% of rated charities nationwide. Tax-deductible donations from supporters make a significant difference in the lives of young military service members and their families. Visit www.asymca.org to learn more.
