Creating a digital community elevates awareness of cause

In 2008, as part of its overall marketing and media relations efforts on behalf of the Susan G. Komen Milwaukee Race for the Cure, Buzz Monkeys introduced a social media campaign to help elevate the Race’s presence in the community for its 10th anniversary.

A Milwaukee Race Facebook group drew more than 200 members, and a blog written by a local breast cancer survivor was featured on OnMilwaukee.com. An email campaign targeting registered participants helped streamline Race information, spread awareness of breast cancer and motivate participants.

Media coverage included live broadcasts on Race day by all four local TV stations, a front-page feature in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and numerous other profiles and stories. The 2008 Race broke all records, drawing more than 12,000 participants and raising more than $1 million.