Company Story
The dedication of a tiny organization to ensure that children don’t go without toys on Christmas morning began in a home basement back in 1984. The Secret Santa Foundation, Inc., has since grown into a vibrant nonprofit organization that brightens up the Christmas holiday for children who are primarily infants to age 12, living in Charleston and its surrounding counties. With the amazing sponsorship of local corporations, small businesses, and individuals who contribute their money and time, the Secret Santa Foundation now serves approximately 1400 children every year.
A Unique Opportunity
Cindy Hess, president of the Secret Santa Foundation, recognized opportunity when it came knocking. “One of the Charleston newspapers ran an article about Bricks Without Straw and their Frank Brown Community Partnership grant. All of the board and staff agreed that this grant was something we could really use!” The organization had been managing with what Cindy describes as a website in desperate need of an upgrade. “It was very bare bones, nothing that would draw you in to learn more. We didn’t even have the ability to post pictures on our website – or if it was there, no one knew how to do it!”
The Community Partnership grant offered a complete website upgrade, and the application process was straight-forward. Cindy recalls, “When Jamie from Bricks Without Straws called to notify us that we had been awarded the partnership grant, we were thrilled!”
Not Your Ordinary Upgrade
The Secret Santa Foundation worked directly with Jamie throughout the website upgrade process. Melody Cochran, a board member, was impressed by Jamie’s commitment. “He was so timely – when he was showing us the previews, he would make changes immediately! Jamie really blew us away with how quickly he responded to our needs and suggestions.”
All the board and staff at the Secret Santa Foundation were especially impressed with Jamie’s logo design – something they hadn’t expected to be part of their grant award. “Jamie realized we didn’t have branding, and he helped us choose a logo that would work best for our needs. When he presented us with several logo options, we didn’t even know which one to choose -- they were all wonderful options.”
What a Difference a Community Partnership Grant Makes!
In just a matter of weeks since the launch of the new website, Melody Cochran, who wears many hats and is a past president of the foundation, has received very positive community feedback. “Everyone who’s seen the new website raves about how professional it looks, how easy it is to get around, and that it’s really user-friendly. At a recent fundraiser about 15 people I know purchased their tickets through the website, and they loved the process!”
Using the new website, people in the community can now keep up with all of Secret Santa Foundation’s events. Melody is clear, “I think this was huge in getting people to our recent fundraiser.“
Volunteerism, a big part of the Secret Santa Foundation’s success, has also been positively impacted as a result of the website upgrade. Jeanne Jarrett, volunteer coordinator for many years, has seen several new names of folks expressing a volunteer interest. “The process for volunteering is so much easier now,” she says. “People used to have to call the office, leave a message, and wait for me to get back to them. Now, they submit their information right on the website and it comes directly to me – it’s so much easier for them and it’s a more efficient process for us!”
An Unexpected Gift and Outcome
Up until they received the Frank Brown Community Partnership grant, the board and staff of the Secret Santa Foundation were very conscious of the fact that community awareness about the organization could be greatly improved. Cindy Hess observes, “We realized if we had the tools, we could get the foundation’s name out into the community more and gain more community support.”
The Frank Brown Community Partnership grant is now making greater awareness about the Secret Santa Foundation – and greater community support – a reality!
