Dear Friends,

We invite you to be a part of our Uncommon Friends Foundation 25th anniversary celebration in 2018!

The Southwest Florida region has a rich history. Since 1993, much of that history has been preserved by the efforts of the Uncommon Friends Foundation.

The Uncommon Evening GalaReflections on the River” to be held on November 8, 2018 at the beautiful Burroughs’ Home and Gardens will be the highlight of our year long celebration. Throughout the year, we are planning other events that will be engaging and fun, too! We hope you will be a part of our year-long festivities!

We want you to be a part of the story!

We invite you to be involved through Sponsorship. In return, you will enjoy added benefits throughout the year, not just at our very glamorous and well-attended Uncommon Evening Gala. These benefits include promotion as a “2018 Sponsor” during events we hold throughout the year, and also on our website, in social media, and for top sponsor categories in our press releases.

Please take a minute to review our 25TH ANNIVERSARY SPONSORSHIP LEVELS below to see where you fit in!

For your information, below is more information on the Foundation’s mission!

Let me take a minute to share EXACTLY what we uniquely do:

Our roots are firmly planted in the principles of “the men who invented the 20th century:” Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, Dr. Alexis Carrel, and Charles Lindbergh, as remembered by their dear friend Jim Newton who wrote the book “Uncommon Friends,” and inspired the Foundation. (See https://uncommonfriends.org/home/our-history/).

It is fascinating to realize they walked our streets, ate at our local cafes, fished in our river, discussing inventions, technology and more …

Their combined imprint is a legacy only Southwest Florida can boast. The four pillars of our mission honor their values.

  • We provide a creative and professional Character Education Curriculum for students 3rd-8th grade and used by teachers to supplement the common core. It educates future leaders about the Uncommon Friends’ values, including ethics, honesty, perseverance, fortitude, problem solving, creative thinking, and the like. Each year, we honor a teacher at the Uncommon Evening who goes above and beyond with this curriculum as our “Champion Teacher for Character Education.”
  • We award Financial Scholarships to support college and technical training of “uncommon students;” those who fit particular criteria based on studies or life situation.
  • We uphold Ethics in Business, through the UFF endowment of the Chair of Business Ethics, at FGCU’s Lutgert College of Business, launched in 2006, and currently held by Dr. Eric Dent. Also, from three chosen finalists, at Uncommon Evening, we honor one local SWFLA business with the prestigious “Business Ethics Award.” We also conduct an annual “Ethics Competition” for local middle and high school students.
  • We preserve, maintain and manage the use of the Historic Burroughs Home & Gardens, built in 1901, no small endeavor as a national historic registry location. The Foundation also built the Gale McBride Pavilion to make the property more versatile for residents and business in SW FLA to enjoy use of the property.

As you can see, we have a unique mission that works to educate and support future leaders, celebrates excellence, and preserves our rich history.

As a SPONSOR of Uncommon Evening, you will also be CELEBRATED with us all year long.

We have plans for more events, seminars, and networking opportunities that we cannot accomplish without your support. We would be honored to have you partner with us this year.

As the 2018 Uncommon Evening Chairperson, I also serve on the UFF Executive committee. I am dedicated to increasing the scope of our positive impact in the region.

You can reach me directly at 239-738-3435 or connect@drivenbydesign.net with any questions, or contact Executive Director Jennifer Nelson at (239) 337.9503 or Jennifer@uncommonfriends.org to schedule a meeting to discuss your participation.

Thank you so much for your consideration.

Caryn Smith

2018 Uncommon Evening Chair

& CEO of Driven By Design LLC

 

Jennifer I. Nelson

Executive Director


NOVEMBER 8, 2018 ~ 6-9PM
UNCOMMON EVENING GALA

SPONSORSHIP COMMITMENT


JIM & ELLIE NEWTON PRESENTING SPONSOR $10,000 (Sold)

Take the stage to present the Business Ethics Award to our 2017 winner.
Includes cocktail reception with dignitaries for eight and eight priority dinner seats near the stage.
Your name and logo will be prominently displayed on all event marketing materials, invitations,
the printed program, table sign, and news releases. 5% of sponsorship goes to UFF Scholarship Fund.


UNCOMMON FRIENDS SPONSORSHIP $5,000 (5 Available) 2 SOLD

You will take the stage to present a scholarship to a student who exemplifies
the character traits of the Uncommon Friends.
Includes cocktail reception with dignitaries for six guests and reserved dinner seats near the stage.
Your name and logo will be prominently displayed on all event marketing materials, invitations,
the printed program, table sign, and news releases. 5% of sponsorship goes to UFF Scholarship Fund.


BURROUGHS HOME ROOM SPONSORSHIP $3,000 (7 Available) 1 SOLD

Your company name or logo will be displayed in one of seven Burroughs Home rooms for a year, including popular Holiday House tours. 20,000 guests visit the Burroughs Home annually, so this is an ideal sponsorship if you are looking to grow your business.
Includes cocktail reception with dignitaries for four and four reserved dinner seats.
Logo displayed on all event marketing materials, invitations, table sign, and printed program.
5% of sponsorship goes to UFF Scholarship Fund.


ENTERTAINMENT, HORS D’OEUVRE COCKTAIL, DESSERT,
OR VALET SPONSORSHIP $2,500 (5 Available) 2 SOLD

Be the exclusive sponsor of one of the key elements of Uncommon Evening.
Includes cocktail reception with dignitaries for four and four reserved dinner seats.
Your logo will appear on signage at the event, on all event marketing materials,
invitations, table signage, and printed program. 5% of sponsorship goes to UFF Scholarship Fund.


FOUNDATION SPONSOR $1,500 (Limited Availability)

Includes a reserved dinner table for six with a company sign.
Two scholarship winners may be seated at your table.


CUSTOM SPONSORSHIP (Limited Availability) 1 SOLD

If you’d like to discuss a creative idea for supporting the event, UFF Executive Director Jennifer Nelson
and Event Chair Kerri Goldsmith will meet with you to create a custom sponsorship package.


SCHOLARSHIP ANGEL SPONSOR $300

Underwrite attendance of a student scholarship winner and their guest.