Overdrive has secured a Google Grant for its client, First Descents, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing outdoor adventure programs for young adults with cancer. These week-long whitewater kayaking and mountaineering experiences are completely free of charge, and First Descents also offers travel scholarships for participants when needed.
Overdrive Interactive is the online marketing agency behind highly successful search and online media campaigns for clients as diverse as Harley-Davidson, The Princeton Review, EMC, The Boston Globe and media giant Dow Jones. In support of First Descents, the agency will be deploying a search engine marketing program to generate awareness of the free trips and to drive registrations on the web site. The actual amount is not being disclosed; however it is six figures annually. The free advertising through Google AdWords™ will continue as long as the online campaign exists.
Former high school classmates in Massachusetts and fellow cancer survivors, Shane Kelly, Account Executive for Overdrive Interactive, and Scott McDonald, Interim Executive Director for First Descents, partnered together to apply for and win the grant. “As a cancer survivor, I am thrilled to leverage Overdrive Interactive’s online marketing expertise to help such a fantastic organization achieve its goals,” said Kelly. “First Descents provides a life-changing experience for cancer patients and survivors, and we want everyone to know about it.”
During the weeklong First Descents experience, young adults living with cancer are empowered through kayaking, team-building and other activities to push their limits and face the challenges associated with living with cancer. Emphasis is placed on daily goal setting, confidence workouts and teamwork exercises. Each program is limited to 15 participants, ensuring individualized care, medical attention and an intimate experience with fellow First Descents participants. All meals, accommodations and program activities are provided to participants free of charge. First Descents has just announced the dates for Summer 2009 programs, which can be applied for at www.firstdescents.org.
“We are proud of Shane’s efforts on behalf of First Descents and happy to donate our services to such a worthy cause,” said Harry Gold, CEO of Overdrive Interactive. “Thanks to this Google Grant, we will really be able to help First Descents extend its reach online.”
About First Descents
First Descents was founded in 2001 by professional kayaker Brad Ludden. The mission of First Descents is to provide physical, emotional and psychological healing for young adults with cancer. The young adult cancer population (ages 18 – 40) is the most underserved demographic of survivors, with very few resources and limited support. First Descents’ week-long programs aim to kick-start young adult survivors back into life – regaining confidence, control, security and independence. For more information, please visit www.firstdescents.org.
About Overdrive Interactive
Overdrive Interactive is a full-service online marketing agency based in Boston that helps clients grow their business with engaging and measurable online media, social media and search engine marketing campaigns and services. The agency specializes in creating genuine consumer connections that help companies build their brands, generate leads and drive revenue. Overdrive serves organizations who are seeking a high level of accountability from their marketing firms and advertising investments. For more information, please visit www.OverdriveInteractive.com.
