YORK, Penn.-First Capital FCU recently helped a couple to get married-at a baseball game. The credit union sponsored Wedding Night at home game of the York Revolution, which plays in the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball. Below the credit union's Tara Houser, marketing director, shares details of the CU's sponsorship.
CUJ: Can you share with readers what the Wedding Night at the York Revolution game all about, and how it works?
Houser: Every year the York Revolution transform their pristine field into a beautiful wedding chapel, complete with an altar at home plate. Fans become wedding guests, sharing in one lucky couple's special day, with exciting baseball action afterward. The ceremony takes place on the field prior to the game. A reception, complete with a two-hour dinner buffet, follows in a suite overlooking the field. Wedding traditions such as the couple's first dance, bouquet and garter toss, etc., take place on the field between innings. As part of the deal, the couple also receives a deejay, photos and flowers free of charge. Interested couples are asked to write an essay on why they should be chosen. The York Revolution then selects one winning couple. This was the fourth year the York Revolution held 'Wedding Night' and the third year First Capital sponsored it.
CUJ: How did the credit union come to sponsor Wedding Night?
Houser: The York Revolution approached First Capital FCU about a sponsorship and as we were looking at possible opportunities they mentioned the Wedding Night. The first year we sponsored the Wedding Night, unbeknownst to us, the York Revolution chose one of our member service representatives and her fiancé as the winners. This made things even more special for all of those involved. After that experience, we decided to sponsor the Wedding Night every year. The Wedding Night is often one of the highest attended games, so there is plenty of opportunity for exposure. And, it's such a feel-good story, often picked up by the local newspapers and television stations, that we felt it was the perfect way for us to show those in our community that we are dedicated to our members and our community.
CUJ: How is the CU involved in the wedding itself, and what kind of promotion/awareness do you get from the sponsorship?
Houser: Dennis Flickinger, president/CEO of First Capital FCU, presents a gift to the couple during one of the innings of the game. He congratulates them and says a few words to the audience about First Capital and our commitment to the community. Dennis also throws out the first pitch. A marketing table is set up inside the gates promoting the credit union. And, First Capital's name is mentioned on the PA system and our logo appears on the electronic sign many times throughout the game. In addition, I send a separate press release to the local newspapers and television stations promoting the wedding and oftentimes First Capital is mentioned in conjunction with the night.
CUJ: What other types of unique sponsorships do you support?
Houser: The credit union is also heavily involved with WellSpan Health, an integrated health system serving south central Pennsylvania and northern Maryland, and our largest sponsor company. First Capital is involved in the Kids' First campaign, Book Nook Bonanza, Double Creek Bike Tour and Run, WellSpan Health Benefit Golf Tournament, and VNA Hospice Services Toast from our Town. First Capital sponsors or employees volunteer at all of these events. First Capital is truly dedicated to our community and sponsors many organizations and charities like the Easter Seals, American Diabetes Association, MDA, Multiple Sclerosis Society, Sertoma, Cultural Alliance, York Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Go Green in the City, just to name a few.
