ISSUE
In January 2022, the Cobbs Creek Foundation (CCF) announced its partnership with the City of Philadelphia to restore and reopen the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course, transforming it into a sustainable, world-class golf and educational campus. Once the finest public course in America and the first public course to welcome Black players and women, Cobbs Creek Golf Course is set to be revitalized into a premier public course once again. The new Cobbs Creek campus will feature an 18-hole championship-level golf course, new clubhouse, restaurant, two-tiered driving range, and a short course.
In March 2023 CCF announced a partnership with TGR Foundation, a Tiger Woods charity, to create a state-of-the-art educational center for local youth. The TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek will offer free year-round education programs in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), college preparation, and career readiness for children in West Philadelphia and surrounding communities.
Ceisler Media was initially brought on to help the CCF team craft messaging to keep supporters informed, answer questions, and keep members of the community updated on the project. Following the announced partnership with TGR Foundation, Ceisler Media took on the planning, communications, and media relations surrounding a July 2023 groundbreaking event for the TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek.
STRATEGY
Ceisler Media developed a three-prong strategy to help Cobbs Creek Foundation raise awareness for the project, strengthen relationships with the community and generate new support:
Event Logistics and Planning
Our team coordinated many of the logistics of the event, including placement of shovels and a podium to establish the right a/v setup both for attendees and TV cameras.
Ceisler also recruited an emcee to lead the event: CBS News Philadelphia’s Ukee Washington, a well-known and respected television journalist who graciously agreed to donate his time. Ceisler collaborated with him to draft a full run of show and his remarks, and make sure all his questions were answered.
Government Relations
Ceisler Media supported Cobbs Creek Foundation’s efforts to invite many of Philadelphia’s city leaders and elected officials. Working with CCF’s communications and development team, we secured speaking roles from Mayor Jim Kenney, Kathryn Ott Lovell, President and CEO of the Philadelphia Visitors Center, Pa. Senator Vincent Hughes, Pa. Representative Morgan Cephas, and Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr.
Each of these leaders has played a role in the project and spoke to the historic legacy of the course and the role that the education center will play in the community for years to come.
Media Relations
Ceisler Media drafted a media advisory and press release and coordinated with media outlets to attend and cover the event. We contacted targeted media outlets, provided background information, and ensured that the event received the attention it deserved, highlighting the progress and future plans of the Cobbs Creek Foundation. This included coordinating interviews with the CCF team and various media outlets.
RESULTS
Ceisler Media’s work promoting the Learning Lab groundbreaking resulted in eight pieces of high-impact written coverage including features in The Philadelphia Business Journal, The Philadelphia Tribune, Philly Voice, and Golf.Com. The groundbreaking received more than 30 high-impact radio and TV mentions across the major networks and local outlets, resulting in an estimated broadcast audience of more than six million people.
CONCLUSION
The groundbreaking ceremony for the TGR Learning Lab at Cobbs Creek was a celebration of history, community, and of all that is to come. Ceisler Media’s strategic approach ensured that the event was a success, attracting widespread media attention and solidifying crucial relationships with city leaders and community members. The revitalization of Cobbs Creek Golf Course and the establishment of the TGR Learning Lab mark a significant milestone in Philadelphia’s commitment to providing world-class recreational and educational opportunities for residents. As the project progresses, the Cobbs Creek Foundation is changing the game for West Philadelphia and the region.