Case Study: Special Olympics Benefit Concert 2025
Organized by Best Friends Marketing & Jay Erlich
In October 2025, I organized the Special Olympics Benefit Concert at Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. to raise funds and awareness for Special Olympics Hamilton. The event combined live music, community support, and collaboration to support local athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Goals
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Raise funds for Special Olympics Hamilton programs.
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Strengthen community engagement through music and sport.
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Showcase the power of collaboration between artists, businesses, and volunteers.
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Demonstrate Best Friends Marketing’s ability to manage, promote, and execute large-scale events.
Strategy
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Fundraising: had community sell tickets in person as well as online website
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Artist Coordination: Booked and scheduled multiple performers, ensuring each had proper sound setup and promotion.
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Venue & Logistics: Partnered with Shawn & Ed Brewing Co. for venue hosting, managed stage layout, volunteer roles, and event flow.
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Promotion:
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Managed all social media.
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Designed graphics, event posters, and digital invitations.
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Created a Crowd Change Event Page and engaged audiences through storytelling posts and behind-the-scenes content.
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Results
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Funds Raised: Over $3,700 donated directly to Special Olympics Hamilton.
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Attendance: The event reached near-capacity with over 150 attendees.
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Performer & Sponsor Retention: All artists expressed interest in returning for next year’s concert.
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Community Impact: Strengthened ties with the Hamilton sports and arts community; received direct thanks from Special Olympics coaches and families.
Key Takeaways
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Aligning music and sport can drive meaningful social impact.
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Volunteer-based collaboration can achieve professional-level results with community-driven purpose.
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Best Friends Marketing specializes in creating emotionally resonant events that raise both awareness and funds for important causes.
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