Case Study: Athlete's Derby Gala - A Legacy of Impact and Empowerment

Odd Media Solutions

Client: 1+1=U


Industry: Nonprofit, Education, Community Empowerment


Services Provided: Event Branding, Sponsorship Materials, Digital Marketing, Website Development, Social Media Graphics, Print and Digital Assets

Background:


In 2020, we had the honor of being introduced to Soror Margaret Dunbar Demaree, founder of the nonprofit 1+1=U, through a referral from an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority sister. At the time, Odd Media Solutions was still in its early freelance days, and we were contracted to design some key assets for the first-ever Athlete's Derby Gala. The gala was to be an exclusive Derby event created to honor Margaret's late father, a well-known entrepreneur and community figure in Louisville. A businessman with several Subway and KFC franchises, he made a significant impact in the community as a server and bartender, working his way up in the social and business circles of the city.


Sadly, due to the pandemic, the inaugural gala was postponed, but the relationship with Soror Margaret and 1+1=U was just getting started. As the event reemerged, we became a core part of bringing the event to life and helping it grow into something truly special.



Challenge:


When the pandemic postponed the initial event, the challenge was not just creating a memorable gala but laying a solid foundation for the future of the Athlete's Derby Gala and 1+1=U’s mission. The goal was to create an engaging, professional event that would serve as a major fundraiser while honoring a legacy of empowering disadvantaged youth, particularly in the sports community. The event needed to be impactful, effective, and seamlessly executed to drive support for 1+1=U's vision: providing resources and guidance to underprivileged students and athletes, transforming their futures.



Our Approach:


We began by working alongside Margaret and her team, collaborating on everything from high-level strategy to the nitty-gritty details of event planning. As a board member for the event, we contributed to a wide array of tasks that spanned multiple years and evolved as the gala itself matured:


  • Sponsorship Materials & Models: We created sponsorship packets and models, making it easy for potential partners to understand the value and impact of supporting the event.
  • Ticket Sales & Donations: We implemented a streamlined system to track ticket sales and donations, ensuring transparency and ease of use for both attendees and sponsors.
  • Event Signage & Digital Presentations: From designing the event signage to creating digital presentations that showcased the sponsors and mission, we made sure the visual identity matched the importance of the cause.
  • Table Programs & Souvenir Booklets: We crafted table programs and souvenir sponsorship booklets to keep attendees informed while celebrating the generosity of supporters.
  • Shirt Design & Ticket Design: Event-branded items such as shirts and tickets were designed to enhance the experience and provide a lasting memento.
  • Website Development: We also built the 1+1=U website, which serves as a key tool for engaging the community and donors. The website played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the organization’s mission and its various programs.



Results:


The Athlete's Derby Gala marked its successful return in a big way, raising critical funds for 1+1=U’s mission to empower disadvantaged youth and athletes. Our team was able to attend the event each year, seeing firsthand the fruits of our labor come to life. Beyond the event itself, we strengthened our partnership with the organization, helping to elevate 1+1=U’s presence both in-person and online. Throughout the process, we cultivated meaningful relationships and networked with key figures in the community, which helped us spread the word about 1+1=U's important work.


The event’s success, as well as our ongoing support for 1+1=U, is a testament to the power of collaboration and shared vision. From designing assets for annual summer camps and social media announcements to providing ongoing support for the organization’s digital presence, we’ve been fortunate to partner with a cause that is changing lives in Louisville, KY.



Key Takeaways:


  • Clear Vision: A strong and clear vision from the event founder allowed us to stay focused and create meaningful work that aligned with both the gala’s objectives and 1+1=U’s long-term goals.
  • Community Impact: Our involvement with 1+1=U has directly contributed to empowering disadvantaged youth, and it aligns with our mission to not only elevate businesses but to positively impact communities.
  • Collaboration is Key: The success of this event was built on a foundation of collaboration, planning, and constant communication between our team and Soror Margaret's team. The results speak for themselves.


Why It Matters:


This case study exemplifies exactly the type of work Odd Media Solutions is dedicated to: building meaningful partnerships, elevating important causes, and creating lasting community impact. Through our collaboration with Soror Margaret and 1+1=U, we’ve seen the powerful transformation that effective marketing, design, and strategy can make. We’re proud to have been a part of the Athlete’s Derby Gala and continue to support 1+1=U’s ongoing mission. It’s exactly why Odd Media Solutions exists — to create change through the work we do and the relationships we build.


If you're looking to bring your vision to life, whether it's a fundraising event or a brand-building strategy, we’re here to help make it happen. Let’s get to work.


By Odyssey Weathers February 3, 2025
A year ago, we set out on a mission to create something special—a space where people from all walks of life could come together, grow in their relationship with God, and support one another through fellowship. What began as a simple idea has blossomed into a thriving virtual community, and as we celebrate the one-year anniversary of our weekly Bible study, I can’t help but reflect on the incredible journey it has been. A Vision for Connection The inspiration for this Bible study was born from my time in Los Angeles, where I was fortunate to be part of a church community that was as welcoming as it was transformative. It was a space where judgment had no place, and people could come as they were to seek God and grow in faith. After moving away, I missed that sense of connection and purpose and felt called to recreate it—this time, virtually, so anyone could join no matter where they were. Alongside my long-time friend and Odd Media Solutions team member, Maggie Blissett, we launched our virtual Bible study with just a handful of participants and a simple goal: to create a judgment-free zone where people could seek out God, ask questions, and find encouragement through community. A Year of Growth Over the past year, this initiative has grown beyond what we could have imagined. What started as a small group has expanded into a diverse community of individuals from different cities, backgrounds, and life experiences. Every Thursday at 7:30 PM EST, we gather on Google Meet and Meta Live, united by a shared desire to reconnect with God and discover His plans for us. Each week, we explore Scripture, share insights, pray together, and support one another through life’s challenges and triumphs. It’s not just a Bible study—it’s a family. We’ve celebrated wins, walked through struggles, and grown not only in our understanding of God’s Word but also in our love and appreciation for each other. No Titles, Just Heart I want to emphasize something important: I’m not a pastor or a theologian. I’m just someone working every day to strengthen my relationship with God. This Bible study is not about being perfect or having all the answers—it’s about coming as you are and growing together. Maggie and I are simply facilitators of a space where God does the real work, and we’re continually amazed at how He moves through this group. Why It Matters In a world that often feels divided, this Bible study has been a reminder of the power of community and faith to bring people together. It’s a space where you don’t have to have it all figured out, where your questions are welcomed, and where your story matters. For many of us, Thursday nights have become a weekly reset—a time to reconnect with God and find peace amidst life’s busyness. An Invitation to Join As we celebrate one year of this incredible journey, we want to extend an invitation to you. Whether you’ve been a part of the group since the beginning or this is your first time hearing about it, you are welcome here. You don’t need to have all the answers, and you don’t need to be “perfect” to join—just come with an open heart and a desire to grow. We meet every Thursday at 7:30 PM EST on Google Meet and Meta Live. All you need is a device and a willingness to show up. It’s that simple. Gratitude and Hope  As I look back on this past year, my heart is full of gratitude. I’m grateful for Maggie, whose partnership has been invaluable, and for every single person who has joined us on this journey. I’m grateful for the moments of vulnerability, the lessons learned, and the faith that has grown. Most of all, I’m grateful to God for showing up week after week, guiding us, and bringing this community together. Here’s to another year of seeking, learning, and growing together. We hope to see you Thursday night.
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