Blog

Client: Set Sail for Autism Benefitting OUCARES

Challenge: Despite significant increases in awareness and understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), there is still a lack of employment opportunities for individuals affected by ASD. The goal of Set Sail for Autism is to find a way to continue to educate and bring awareness of their abilities to fulfill technical tasks to the professional community.

The Solution: By partnering with the sailing community and creating opportunities for young adults with ASD to have the incredible experience of helping to sail racing yachts back to Port Huron and Chicago following the Chicago Yacht Club Race to Mackinac and the Bell’s Beer Bayview Mackinac Race, we are able to showcase the talents and skills of these individuals. Sailing a racing yacht on the Great Lakes takes incredible focus and Set Sail’s ASD sailors are able to demonstrate their ability to learn quickly and handle challenging tasks. Additionally, ASD individuals that have an interest in film, photography, journalism, web development and social media gained real world experience through the creation of marketing materials and documenting the trip.

Through a special free event at the start of the race we are able to provide a safe, friendly environment for families impacted by ASD.

Results: Set Sail for Autism has quickly gained traction as one of the most compelling events of the racing season. Each year, the program has grown exponentially with additional participants in all aspects, leading to job contacts and positions for many. One sailor, has now been asked to race regularly with two of the yachts and has also been hired for web, social media and photography services. With the addition of the Chicago Yacht Club race, the program is now a regional powerhouse attracting local and national sponsors including: Lincoln Motor Company and Pepsi. News coverage has been extensive, raising awareness and funds for OUCARES at Oakland University and showcasing its unique programs.

Client: D2N (Detroit2Nepal Foundation)

Challenge: Detroit2Nepal Foundation (D2N), though a well established organization, had no public awareness beyond its existing private donor base. Cause and Effect’s team was charged with finding a way to put D2N on the map increasing awareness and financial support.

The Solution: Cause and Effect extensively researched opportunities and found the perfect outlet for D2N with Over the Edge Detroit. This provided D2N the chance to host a fundraiser unlike any other happening in Detroit. This gave D2N direct access to engage an untapped enormous market of potential supporters and donors. This high-adventure event gave individuals who raised a minimum of $1,000 the chance to rappel off the iconic First National Building in downtown Detroit. Partnering with Bedrock Detroit, Opportunity Detroit and Quicken Loans, the event drew thousands of supporters. Hundreds of participants raised funds with the hopes of securing a spot on the ropes.

Results: In its first year more than $200,000 was raised for D2N’s initiatives in Detroit and Nepal. That number doubled to over $400,000 in 2016. Additionally, the Detroit event is considered a signature event for Over the Edge U.S.A. Media coverage was extensive with every major Detroit network and outlet providing stories including lead front page coverage on the Detroit News and Detroit Free Press the day following the festivities.