“Would you like to round up your change to donate to a cause?” A question we all get asked in our life of commerce, but where does it come from? What does it mean? And who does it help?
Cause marketing is a powerful approach that brings together for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations with the common goal of benefiting both parties and making an impact on society. It combines corporate social responsibility with marketing efforts to address social and charitable issues while simultaneously driving profits. Let’s dive into two businesses in Arizona, As You Wish Pottery and Los Sombreros, who have embraced cause marketing as an integral part of their missions.
As You Wish Pottery, a family-owned and operated business, opened its doors in Scottsdale, Arizona, in 1995. It quickly became one of the nation’s premier paint-your-own pottery studios. In 2007, Scott and Lori Neff took over the company, with their sons Jared and Zach joining the team in subsequent years. As You Wish’s core mission is to bring people together to create lasting memories in a fun-filled environment.
One way As You Wish supports its local community is through a cause marketing initiative in collaboration with the United Food Bank. Customers visiting any As You Wish Pottery location in the Valley can either purchase a $1 paper can or round up their change to benefit the food bank. Any donation allows them to write their name on a can and be hung in the store. As You Wish set a goal to help families in the East Valley bring home 12,500 meals this November! Each dollar donated can provide five nutritious meals for hungry children, seniors, and families in Arizona. This initiative exemplifies As You Wish’s commitment to giving back and strengthening the communities that have embraced them.
Los Sombreros, a Mexican food eatery that has been serving the Valley since 1994, is another Arizona business embracing cause marketing. Under the ownership of Kurt Riske and Geoff Schuman, who have been with the restaurant for decades, Los Sombreros has become a local favorite. Their journey led them to Oaxaca, Mexico, where they fell in love with the region’s culinary traditions, including agave, moles, and mezcals.
Los Sombreros is dedicated to bringing the best of Oaxacan-inspired casual contemporary dining to its patrons. The recipes are based on the expertise of an Oaxacan culinary school graduate and a twice-nominated James Beard Award chef. The mission of Los Sombreros is to provide a natural, artisan Mexican culinary experience characterized by deep flavors, textures, and colors in a chic, cozy space.
The restaurant partners with charities and foundations to donate 25% of their one-day-fundraiser sales to support various causes. This unique approach to cause marketing not only satisfies the palate but also warms the heart by making a difference in the lives of those in need. Through the end of the year, Los Sombreros is also inviting customers to round up or donate to the United Food Bank at checkout to join the fight against hunger/give back to their community. This holiday season, they have a goal of raising $5,000, helping provide 25,000 meals to the East Valley!
The collaboration between for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations that cause marketing creates aims to make a positive impact on society while benefiting both parties. As You Wish Pottery and Los Sombreros, two Arizona-based businesses, are shining examples of how businesses can use their success to give back to their communities and support worthwhile causes in various ways. These initiatives not only help those in need but also foster a sense of goodwill and belonging within the local community.
For more information on how you can get involved in supporting your community, check out unitedfoodbank.org.
Written by KC Raguay
