Good Things Come in Small Packages

For a mailing so small -- 4 inches by 8.25 inches -- this package does a good job of getting noticed. First off, it’s mailed blind, with no indication of the sender on the plain, white outer envelope. Blind mailings are always intriguing, if you ask me. Whether the recipient ends up being interested in what’s inside or not, the fact is that most people at least want to know who the mail came from.

Once inside it’s clear the mailing’s from Special Olympics New Jersey. Included is a 7-inch-by-7.5-inch, double-sided letter on card stock, a reply device, two VIP tickets to the 2006 Summer Games for Special Olympics New Jersey, a four-paneled, 3.5-inch-by-6-inch “Good Luck!” card on card stock, and a BRE. The elements inside are a perfect complement to the blind outer, making the mailing a treasure trove of involvement devices and donor benefits.

The Special Olympics competition is free to the public, but the included “VIP” tickets not only wow recipients of the mailing, they serve -- as the letter attests -- “as a handy reminder.” In the event that recipients of this mailing hold on to their two VIP tickets and toss the rest of the mailing, Special Olympics has included the crux of this mailing’s message on the tickets: the name of the event; the organization’s name; the date and location of the event; a phone number for contact; the organization’s Web site; and the Special Olympics oath on the back of the tickets. Also on the tickets is a background image of a competing athlete, “VIP Ticket” copy, and the call to action, “Come Cheer for our Athletes!”

A further call to action is the “Good Luck!” card, which donors are asked to sign and send in with their donation as extra encouragement for the athletes. This mailing proves good things really can come in small packages.