Saving a Piece of Milwaukee’s Soul

Built in 1901, the Basilica of St. Josaphat is a lavish architectural icon – with lavish maintenance expenses. The goal was simple: To make Milwaukeeans understand why this one-of-a-kind piece of our cultural heritage is worth preserving.

Appealing to Milwaukeeans’ intense sense of civic pride, ZG created messaging ranging from the urgent “Save Our Sanctuary” to the cheeky “Pray It Forward,” and included eye candy billboards in high-traffic areas. We also built a bus shelter-turned-Basilica – complete with stained glass, ceiling fresco and church pew. The opening event garnered local and national coverage and kick started the Foundation’s fundraising push.

Within seven months, PR efforts reached an audience of nearly 20 million worth $300,000 in straight media value – an 800% return on the Foundation’s investment – and garnered nearly $1.3 million in donations and pledges, many of which came from new donors.

See how ZG can help you build your brand with made-to-measure creative services.