We tried to sell the float concept on eBay and had no takers so we decided to ask the maker of our favorite St. Patrick’s Day drink to be our sponsor or at least finance the creative process.
From: BobG
To: guinness@consumer-care.net
Subject: Our St. Patrick’s Parade float
Date: Wed, 20 Jan 2010 22:54:17 -0500
Dear Guinness,
We love Guinness. You make Guinness. Therefore, we are a match made in Heaven.
Raleigh, North Carolina, will hold its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 13th this year (yes, we know, it’s not the REAL day, but hey – it’s the weekend…)
Our group, a loose collection of kickball players and website designers, has a float in the parade each year, and we try to be completely original and creative with our float ideas. One year we built a boat and paraded as Gilligan’s Island. Another year we were Cheers, the TV show (we built a bar! How cool is THAT?).
Here are some pictures:
Cheers! 2009
Gilligan’s Island 2008
This year, the parade organizers will charge $35 per float for the honor of parading the streets and throwing candy to the children of The Oak City. While not a huge fee, this has us thinking of other creative ways to have a float this year.
Our theme this year… “Space Ireland”… a tribute to NASA, Ireland, and the fact that Ireland has no astronauts. This is where we feel Ireland is completely misunderstood and under-represented.
Of course, the float theme is still in negotiations, and if Guinness were to, say… decide to sponsor us somehow, we would be MORE than willing to have a completely kick-ass Guinness-themed float to show to the world. Or just Raleigh.
If you don’t want to donate big money, we understand. But a few cases to inspire creativity would be appreciated. Please let us know what you think.
BobG
Space Ireland, Raleigh, NC
Guinness answered – their response after the jump.
From: diageona@consumer-care.net
To: BobG
Date: Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:06:35 -0500
Subject: Re: Your Comment/Question Case #477543
Dear Mr. BobG,
Thank you for your communication regarding potential Guinness participation with your event. Currently we are not accepting sponsorship solicitations.
Unfortunately, finished product, by law in the adult beverage industry, must move through a 3-tier system: manufacturer to wholesaler, wholesaler to retailer and retailer to consumer. The sale or distribution of registered trademark materials directly to a private party or consumer would be prohibitive under our social responsibility guidelines and legal parameters.
We value loyal consumers such as yourself and we appreciate your enthusiasm. If there is anything else we could help you with now or in the future, please do not hesitate to contact us.
However, we wish you every success with your venture and thank you for contacting DIAGEO.
Sincerely,
Jill A.
Guinness Consumer Representative
Cheers!
Drinking Responsibly is Brilliant!!
Guinness is AWESOME.
