Up your game with "Flags For Heroes."

Is Your "Flags For Heroes" Event Leaving Money on the Table?

Read this article to see the creative ways that other clubs are providing greater value to their sponsors and their communities through the popular "Flags For Heroes" event.

Enhancing Your Rotary Club's "Flags for Heroes" Fundraiser

At least a few of our clubs do a "Flags for Heroes" fundraiser, and more could do it without cannibalizing each others' markets. (Please check your neighbor clubs before deciding to adopt this sort of event.) This is a popular and impactful way for Rotary Clubs to honor local heroes while raising funds for community projects. This article explores how different clubs run their events and suggests ideas to make them even more engaging, fun, and profitable.

How Different Clubs Run "Flags for Heroes"

  1. Amesbury Rotary Club:

    • Event Features: Flags are displayed at the Amesbury Servicemen's Memorial Honor Roll from Memorial Day through Flag Day. Each flag has a medallion with the hero's name and information.
    • Sponsorship Levels: Ranges from $250 to $1,000 with varying benefits like website recognition and medallions.
    • Impact: Funds raised support local veterans, first responders, and community service projects.

  2. Rotary Club of West Shore:

    • Event Features: Flags are displayed along the Taylor Bypass, creating a powerful and emotional visual. The event includes a dedication ceremony with community leaders and media coverage.
    • Sponsorship Levels: From $100 for a single flag to $2,500 for major sponsors with benefits like event speaking opportunities and media recognition.
    • Impact: Supports a variety of local initiatives including food programs, cancer support, and veterans' education.

  3. Rotary Club of Montgomery/Rocky Hill:

    • Event Features: Flags displayed in front of local schools with medallions honoring individual heroes.
    • Impact: Funds raised are used for diverse community needs like addiction recovery, education, and COVID-19 relief efforts.

  4. Rotary Club of Easton:

    • Event Features: Over 1,000 flags displayed at various locations in Easton during Memorial Day weekend. The club celebrates its centennial and the 10th anniversary of Flags for Heroes.
    • Impact: Significant fundraising success with over $400,000 raised to support local heroes and community projects.

  5. Alexandria Rotary Club:

    • Event Features: Flags are displayed at Cedar Knoll Inn with each flag bearing a commemorative plaque.
    • Impact: Recognizes a wide range of heroes, from military personnel to first responders and teachers.

Ideas to Enhance "Flags for Heroes" Events

  1. Interactive Elements:

    • Hero Stories Display: Create a digital or physical display where attendees can read about the heroes honored by the flags.
    • Virtual Dedication: Offer a live-streamed or recorded dedication ceremony for those who cannot attend in person.

  2. Engagement Activities:

    • Hero Recognition Cards: Allow sponsors and attendees to write personal messages to their heroes, which can be displayed alongside the flags.
    • Photo Booth: Set up a photo booth with patriotic props where attendees can take pictures and share them on social media with a dedicated event hashtag.

  3. Fundraising Enhancements:

    • Merchandise Sales: Sell event-themed merchandise like T-shirts, hats, and pins.
    • Silent Auction: Host a silent auction featuring items donated by local businesses, with proceeds going to the fundraiser.

  4. Community Involvement:

    • School Partnerships: Involve local schools by having students create artwork or essays about their heroes, which can be displayed at the event.
    • Local Performances: Invite local musicians or performers to entertain attendees and create a festive atmosphere.

  5. Expanded Sponsorship Opportunities:

    • Corporate Packages: Offer comprehensive sponsorship packages that include advertising opportunities, such as logos on flags, event materials, and online platforms.
    • Matching Donations: Partner with local businesses to match donations raised during the event, doubling the impact.

By incorporating these ideas, Rotary Clubs can make their "Flags for Heroes" events more engaging, fun, and profitable, ultimately benefiting more heroes and community projects.

For more detailed information and examples, you can visit the official pages of the Rotary Clubs mentioned:

Enhancing the "Flags for Heroes" event can significantly increase its impact and help your Rotary Club achieve its fundraising goals while honoring the heroes in your community.

Here is one club's public face to the event.