fundraising project
City Completes Successful Fundraising Project With Assistance From Creative Materials Corporation
ALBANY, NY – In August 2002, the city of Albany, NY celebrated the success of their Buy-a-Brick program, which sold over 14,000 bricks supplied by Creative Materials Corporation over the course of a two-year campaign.
The finished project included a pedestrian bridge leading to the Hudson River with engraved pavers leading the way. Local residents purchased these pavers marked with name and memorial engravings to leave their mark in Albany’s rich history.
“My responsibility was to sell the bricks and to get marketing sponsors,” said Katie O’Malley, campaign director.
The success of the program was celebrated with an all day event including music entertainment by the Albany Symphony Orchestra, fireworks, vendors, a water ski show, lighted boat parade and brick locator volunteers. Almost 30,000 citizens were in attendance.
“We did brochures, flyers, public speaking, television and Times Union (major Albany, NY newspaper) print advertisements. The campaign was an effort for just under two years,” said O’Malley.
According to O’Malley “it (the campaign) was an idea that the Mayor (Jerry Jennings) and the Capitalize Albany Committee” generated. “The committee is an active group that is responsible for the revitalization of Albany, through the Mayor’s lead,” O’Malley continued.
The bridge symbolizes Albany’s history and provides a passageway to the Hudson River, traveled frequently during the summer months. Murals along the bridge depict what it would be like to live as a fisherman along the Hudson River in the 17th century and correspond with artifacts discovered during various archeological digs completed within the city.
“It (the bridge) gave the citizens a place to make their mark. It gave a real sense of community and a place to help connect to the riverfront because we had been disconnected for so long,” said O’Malley. “It has given Albany a landmark destination point.”
For further information reporters can contact:
Amy Zywot-Slagen
(518)452-9694 ext.314
