Big Bad Ball Leverages Social Media to Raise Awareness of Hospice

PRLog (Press Release) - Aug 05, 2009 -
RALEIGH, N.C. – April Mills, co-chair of the Big Bad Ball (www.bigbadball.com) event committee, announced today that the event is gaining additional attention, primarily due to the efforts of the planning committee to leverage social media channels. For the first time since the inaugural Big Bad Ball in 2001, the committee is using Facebook and Twitter to raise awareness of the event and the benefiting organization, Hospice of Wake County.

Committee member Brad Barbour is managing the event’s Facebook page which currently has 228 fans.  Facebook is being used to host photos of previous events and attendees and update fans on new silent auction items, raffle prizes and other aspects of the event. The public is welcomed to submit additional photos of past events to bradbarbour@accountantsone.com. Strategic Guru and committee member Angela Ursprung are driving the event’s Twitter stream (@bigbadball), posting information about new sponsors, prizes and other important information about the event.

"We are embracing social media this year, including our website where you can learn more about our sponsors and silent auction items as well as buy raffle and event tickets to attend the event,” said Diane Dennis, event co-chair.  “This event has created a great community of supporters over the years and we wanted people to be more involved and receive regular updates. We welcome the public to become a fan on Facebook and follow us on Twitter."

Hosted by the Young Executives Board of the Capital City Club, the 8th Annual Big Bad Ball is the gala fundraiser for Hospice of Wake County, a private nonprofit organization that provides compassionate end-of-life care and support for terminally ill patients and their families.  The black-tie event will include live music, a silent auction, and gourmet food and drink.

About Hospice of Wake County
Your community hospice since 1979, Hospice of Wake County provides physical, emotional and spiritual care to those living with an advanced illness, their caregivers, and those who have lost a loved one regardless of age, race, religion, or financial circumstances. Service areas include Wake, Johnston, Franklin, Durham, and Harnett counties. Guided by community-based boards of directors and supported by a dedicated professional staff, the goal of Hospice of Wake County is to provide compassionate hospice care that allows patients to enjoy every moment of their lives to the fullest. For more information, call 919.828.0890 or visit http://www.hospiceofwake.org.