FUTURES and Macy’s Launch Third Annual RESPECT! Challenge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
MEDIA CONTACT:
Lauren Brisbo, Futures Without Violence
Lbrisbo@futureswithoutviolence.org
415.678.5619
FUTURES and Macy’s Launch Third Annual
RESPECT! Challenge
Top YouTube Stars Christian Collins and Diamond White duet on new music video for national campaign
SAN FRANCISCO (October 15, 2014) – The RESPECT! Challenge, a national social media contest developed by Futures Without Violence and Macy’s, launches today to celebrate mentors and role models throughout the U.S. The third annual contest and campaign invites the public to identify positive examples of people who have taught them respect. Entrants can participate via Futures Without Violence’s Facebook page, or website, and also via Twitter, Instagram and Vine with the hashtag #RespectChallenge2014.
Since 2008, the RESPECT! Campaign has encouraged and promoted respect and healthy relationships among students, teachers, and schools across America. Macy’s, the national founding partner of the campaign, invites Facebook fans to enter the six-week online Challenge that asks the question, “Who would you like to thank for teaching you respect?”
“At a time when the national conversation is attuned to the behavior of professional sports heroes, the RESPECT! Challenge is particularly timely,” said Futures Without Violence President and Founder Esta Soler. “Models of healthy relationships are not always available to young people, so we’re eager to salute those who have made a lasting impact by communicating the importance of respect for others.”
One grand prize winner will earn a donation of $10,000 to a school or nonprofit organization of their choice, as well as a VIP trip to New York City, 2 tickets to a special event and a $500 Macy’s shopping spree. Twelve regional winners will earn a $2,500 donation to a nonprofit organization or school of their choice, a $2,500 scholarship/stipend, and a $500 Macy’s shopping spree. Weekly winners on Instagram, Twitter and Vine will receive $100 Macy’s gift cards. Click here for contest rules.
“We are committed to the mission of the RESPECT! Challenge, identifying everyday heroes, coaches, teachers, mothers and fathers who have demonstrated a positive and lasting impact on our children’s lives,” said Martine Reardon, chief marketing officer, Macy’s.
The campaign features a new video with two of YouTube’s top performing artists, Christian Collins and Diamond White. Produced by NBTV Studios, in conjunction with FullScreen, the artists not only cover Aretha Franklin’s iconic song, but also identify the people who taught them respect.
The 2014 RESPECT! Challenge on Facebook marks the third year of partnership with social media experts at AKQA, one of the world’s top digital agencies. This year, the San Francisco-based team volunteered to design and help execute the campaign and also solicited $2 million in donated online advertising for the cause-based contest. Federated Media, a fully integrated content marketing company that pairs the nation’s leading brands with the top independent influencers in digital media, also donated its services by utilizing its vast experience and relationships with the talent agency and production studio to produce and optimize the campaign
Take part in the 2014 Facebook RESPECT! Challenge from October 6 through November 14 to help support positive role modeling and healthy relationships. A little respect goes a long way.
Futures Without Violence
For more than 30 years, Futures Without Violence has led the way and set the pace for innovative educational programs, public action campaigns, policy development and leadership training designed to end violence against women, children and families around the world.Instrumental in developing the landmark Violence Against Women Act passed by the U.S. Congress in 1994,Futures Without Violence has established an International Conference Center that will engage today’s diverse national and global leaders, stand with survivors, and continue working to break the silence around gender-based violence.
Macy’s
Macy’s, the largest retail brand of Macy’s, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy’s offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy’s is known for such epic events as Macy’s 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy’s flagship stores — including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California — are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers and employees, Macy’s helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers.
###
