Dance Marathon + CU4Kids
The Power of Community: How UT Federal Credit Union and VOLthon Created a Partnership to Remember
In the world of sponsorships and partnerships, finding the right ally can make all the difference. For University of Tennesee’s VOLthon, losing their presenting sponsor at the start of 2024 left the students with uncertainty when planning for their main event. But rather than leaving a void, the students quickly rallied to find a new sponsor—one that was truly embedded in their community. Enter UT Federal Credit Union, a local institution that proved to be the perfect match.
A Partnership Rooted in Community
UT Federal Credit Union is not just another financial institution. With multiple branches in the local community and even one on campus, the credit union has long been a pillar of support for students and residents alike. The connection between the credit union and the University of Tennessee community was solidified through a collaborative relationship with the local hospital, which played a vital role in introducing students to the credit union.
When it became clear that VOLthon needed a new sponsor, the credit union was eager to step in, not only because of their shared community ties but also because it aligned perfectly with their mission: People helping people. Despite the quick turnaround, the credit union knew that supporting VOLthon was an opportunity to deepen their connection with the students and expand their reach within the community.
A Community Effort
About a month before the event, UT Federal Credit Union and the VOLthon students held a meeting to strategize how they could make the event a success. The credit union didn’t just throw money at the event; they actively engaged with other local partners, created banners, and worked on organizing social media efforts. The collaborative nature of the sponsorship was evident, with both sides benefiting from exposure and engagement.
For the students, the presence of UT Federal Credit Union on campus and their clear dedication to the cause sent a strong message: this was a partner who truly cared. The credit union’s involvement wasn’t just a logo on a banner; it was an active participation in the event’s success and a tangible demonstration of their commitment to the community.
A Mutually Beneficial Partnership
For UT Federal Credit Union, the benefits were clear from the start. Even though the sponsorship came together quickly, it was a “no-brainer” for the credit union. With budget constraints common among credit unions, the exposure they received from the event, including marketing and PR efforts, was invaluable—more than they could ever have achieved with their own resources.
Once their involvement was confirmed, the credit union’s branding was everywhere. Their logo appeared on every post, in radio mentions, on banners, and even on event T-shirts. The credit union also became the $5,000 presenting sponsor, which allowed them to sponsor a “matching hour” during the event—a great way to amplify their support and reach even more students.
The credit union’s logo was prominently displayed on the main stage and across two large screens, ensuring maximum visibility during the event. The brand also had a table set up to speak with students, give out swag, and educate participants about the benefits of joining a credit union. As part of their sponsorship, UT Federal Credit Union even participated in a check presentation at the event, underscoring their investment in the cause.
Building Long-Term Partnerships
The collaboration between UT Federal Credit Union and VOLthon is just the beginning. Moving forward, both parties are focused on strengthening their partnership. UT Federal Credit Union is working to stay involved with VOLthon year-round, with the goal of creating an even more robust relationship that goes beyond just one event.
Their commitment to building this partnership is more than just about visibility. It’s about fostering long-lasting connections between the credit union, the university, and the community. The hospital’s involvement in educating students about credit unions before they even pitched the idea further solidified the relationship, making it a seamless and effective partnership.
A Model for Future Sponsorships
The success of this collaboration has the potential to be a model for other credit unions looking to form similar relationships. Credit unions are known for their strong sense of community and mutual support, and this partnership could easily be replicated with other local organizations, creating opportunities for larger sponsorships between multiple credit unions.
What is Miracle Network Dance Marathon (DM)?
DM is a movement uniting college, university, and high school students across North America. Students involved in a campus’s dance marathon organization spend a year gaining leadership, teamwork, and nonprofit business experience while raising funds and awareness for their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. The year culminates with a final dance marathon event on each campus, where students get to meet patient families treated at their local hospital, participate in games and dancing, enjoy entertainment, and reveal their annual fundraising total.