Case Study: Neighborhood House
Client: Potrero Hill Neighborhood House
Included: Event design and planning including event marketing, vendor outreach & content development, social media management, paid ads, email marketing
The Potrero Hill Neighborhood House, a local community center in my neighborhood of San Francisco. “The Nabe” (NAY-buh) as it’s now known was founded in 1907 and has served the local community ever since. The organization inhabits a 97 year-old Historical Landmark Building, designed by the renowned Julia Morgan. The Nabe was originally created to help new immigrants living on the Hill and especially those displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Over 115 years later the Nabe continues to serve, strengthening community life and individual well-being among Potrero Hill and southeast San Francisco residents from cradle to grave.
For the past 15 years I’ve enjoyed putting together events for organizations and brands and I was thrilled that Edward and his board entrusted me to bring their idea of a family-friendly STEM (science & technology) themed festival to the community. The bar was high as they also host the much loved Potrero Hill Festival which also serves as their annual fundraiser.
This event was incredibly special to me as it brought together the racially and socioeconomically diverse community of Potrero Hill together for one of the first times after lockdown. Over the last year there has been tremendous learning loss for kids and increasing gaps in inequity. Isolation and inactivity became familiar states for too many. The mission was to create a fun, free, outdoor festival experience for kids and families to further develop their love of learning and hone in on their skills and talents in STEM related fields. Being in the heart of San Francisco where there is so much innovation we hoped the event would open their eyes to that reality and cultivate the next generation of STEM leaders.
Local small businesses, museums, science and technology companies, and grass-roots non profits all joined together to create this incredible annual event. Organizations attend and may lead hands-on activities, sponsor the event financially and/or provide virtual educational content. With over 1000 attendees this beloved annual event has made a big impact in the community and for those organizations giving back to the community. The Neighborhood House gained new supporters and visibility while creating an event that enthralled the youth in the community. Many parents were stunned and overjoyed that the event captured the attention of their children for hours. San Francisco Mayor London Breed - a former chemist herself - visited and imparted the message of the importance of encouraging our children to explore all that is possible in STEM.
The addition of STEM Saturday to the Nabe’s programming is a great way for them to build industry relationships that will expand opportunities for the population they serve. I loved taking part in something that was engaging, entertaining and also educational. For me it evolved the idea of what a neighborhood festival can be and the impact it can have.
Big thanks to the Potrero Hill Neighborhood House for trusting me with this vision and the SF Standard for featuring the 2022 event.
If something from this resonates with you, or if this sounds like something I could help you or an organization your care about with, please feel free to reach out and book a free consultation. I’d love to discuss your business and marketing goals with you.
