There are so many opportunities in today’s world to show support for a cause. Whether it’s wearing a certain color for a cause awareness month (think pink in October for breast cancer awareness) or participating in a fundraising event, this market is always in need of promotional items such as T-shirt, bags and more to not only promote an event or cause, but to also highlight sponsors. Beyond that, many participants often wear or use items long after an event or month has passed simply because a cause is personal to them.
One item that fits perfectly for this use is a bandanna. Available in a variety of colors, sizes and even unique styles from Bandanna Promotions by Caro-line, bandannas can be used as a main fundraiser giveaway, added to a participant swag bag, or given to sponsors as a thank-you.
“Bandannas are the perfect fit for charity events of any size — small to thousands — at either indoor our outside functions,” says Scott Thackston, director of marketing and product development.
Here are two ways that promotional products distributors can help clients incorporate bandannas into an awareness, cause and/or charity event.
Cause Awareness Months
Nearly every month has been designated as a cause month. Some are geared toward health and wellness, such as Heart Health Month in February, while others raise community awareness, such as June Pride Month. Bandannas serve as great items to spread awareness during the month and beyond. For example, bandannas can be a great way to share information. The Info-Danna is one option that can be printed with heart health best practices, key resources, or first-aid information, which can then be used for fundraising events. They key here, according to Thackston, is to not get too wordy.
“Unfortunately, a majority of the population doesn’t take time to read,” he says. “Why not make a fun design with call-outs, major features, imports facts, statements, and needs for your client’s cause, charity or fundraisers with our Info-Danna … Have your client supply bullet points, fun facts, or why it’s important to get involved and donate time and money to help. Allow our creative team to do the rest to create a fun bandanna canvas that each recipient can’t stop reading and showing off to all they come in contact with.”
These can also be printed with logos for hospitals to keep on hand beyond the awareness month. Info-Dannas come in 25 solid color options, which makes them a great fit for the different months. Distributors can take it up a notch by also providing Pet Triangles for awareness months. These come in a 22” x 22” x 29” and can be handed out by pet-friendly clients such veterinary clinics or pet stores looking to bring light to pet awareness month (May). Let Bandanna Promotions help customize these with logos, awareness slogans, and more.
Fundraising and Events
Fundraisers are another area that bandannas can be utilized. Sometimes they’re associated with a cause month, but oftentimes they are held throughout the year for different entities or programs for a variety of reasons. There are a few ways, and styles, that bandannas can be incorporated into a fundraising package.
Bandannas can be given to sponsors as part of a thank-you kit. With four imprinting processes, Bandanna Promotions is set up to help you provide unique and custom bandannas for any fundraising event sponsor. “Bandannas and our smaller 14” x 14” hankies can have single to multiple donors or sponsorship company-branded logos incorporated with the charity event design and color for a memorable custom event souvenir,” Thackston says.
Bandannas can also be printed with sponsor logos and given out during a fundraiser event. For example, if the client is hosting a 5k fundraising walk/run, Bandanna Promotions can print sponsor logos on bandannas for all the participants to wear both during and after the race.
“These can be worn in races, walks, mud runs for outdoor fundraisers, or color-coded per our 25 in-stock USA-made 4800 series colors or even custom dye rotary process for identification in seating, level of sponsors/donations and fashion accessories wearable for the dress attire theme,” says Thackston.
And of course, bandannas can also be printed with the fundraising logo or event information. Rotary printing is a great option in this case. Not only does rotary create a soft bandanna because the eco-friendly, water-based pigment dyes are absorbed into the cloth, it is a fast production method for large orders and edge-to-edge printing is available for certain designs. When exploring unique items to really stand out, distributors might consider the oversize bandanna. While it may not fit every situation and budget, this bandanna is eye-catching because of its size (27” x 27”). It also comes in many styles and colors to choose from.
Prepare Ahead of Time
Ultimately, it comes down to what the client’s needs are. Promotional products distributors should do a little research to land on what size and style will work best based on several factors. “The top sizes based on use, budget and imprinting logo pallet is the 14” x 14” hanky (budget), 22” x 22” traditional size bandanna (most popular), and 27” x 27, [which is] the ultimate oversized XL bandanna for all wearable accessory options,” Thackston says.
He also goes on to add that distributors shouldn’t wait until a certain month is already happening or an event is around the corner to make sure their clients are stocked up. Like any other campaign, it’s about being prepared.
“Most of your targeted clients have used the same promotional product over and over again, which could be a stale return especially if this a annual fundraiser or seasonal sponsored outdoor event,” says Thackston. “Send a four-pack free sample kits of our Map-Wear, Info-Dannas, ColorME Bandannas, [as well as] a full size range kit of all (5) bandannas sized to try. Be unique with what a bandanna can do for your client at their next cause awareness or charity fundraiser function.”
