Priority Marketing is sponsoring 30 children for a 10-week soccer and character development program through Soccer Shots Southwest Florida, a local organization focused on best-in-class coaching, communication and curriculum.
The Fort Myers-based marketing firm donated $3,000 through Soccer Shots’ Corporate Scholarship Program, which provides grants to organizations that serve families in disadvantaged communities. Priority Marketing’s donation is supporting the program at the Joseph H. Messina Children’s Center, a Child Care of Southwest Florida early learning center in Fort Myers.
“Children learn through play, and after hearing about the impact of Soccer Shots and its success blending character education with soccer instruction, it became clear that we should help bring this program to additional children,” said Priority Marketing President and Senior Creative Director Teri Hansen, APR. “With 2022 being our company’s 30th anniversary, we are completing 30 ‘Acts of Light’ in our community, and programs that teach children how to become good citizens is certainly a cause we gladly support, and encourage other Southwest Florida businesses to do the same.”
Each soccer session focuses on a specific character trait, including respect, confidence, determination, teamwork, patience, integrity and other concepts.
Soccer Shots partners with child care centers and schools to deliver programs to children ages 2 to 8. It also offers independent night and weekend programs at local parks.
“We are fortunate to have generous corporate partners like Priority Marketing that recognize the value in teaching character development to children ages 2 to 8 years old,” said Soccer Shots Southwest Florida Co-Founder Mike Gannon. “Between our public and school-based programs, we exceeded 4,000 participants in 2021 and are looking to grow in 2022. The Corporate Scholarship Program will help bring our curriculum to children across the region who might not otherwise be exposed to character development concepts at this age.”
Since its inception, Priority Marketing has provided more than $3.5 million in pro bono and discounted services to nonprofits across the region in addition to supporting numerous charitable causes through donations and volunteer service. The firm has earned accolades for its philanthropic initiatives, including the Business Ethics Award from the Uncommon Friends Foundation. The Community Foundation named Priority Marketing as its Best Charity Event Support Team through the 2022 Charity Event Awards.
