Client:

The Steve Nash Foundation

The Challenge:

The inaugural Steve Nash Foundation Charity Classic was held in Toronto in 2005. Step 3 Sports & Entertainment was retained by the initial Promoter (selected by the Foundation) to look after television and sponsorship. In 2006, the Foundation moved the event to GM Place in Vancouver and asked Step 3 to become the Executive Producer. The primary mandates were to organize a world-class event, publicize the Foundation in Steve's home market and raise significant funds for the Foundation to assist disadvantaged children in B.C.

The Solution:

Step 3 built a team of 18 sub-contracting firms and individuals to plan and implement ticket sales, sponsorship, advertising, in-game entertainment, public relations, branding & signage, game operations, hosting & hospitality, player travel & accommodation and all ancillary events.

Sanctioned by the NBA, the July event delivered:

an NBA exhibition game with stars from around the League
16,200 fans at GM Place (+5,000 over Toronto attendance)
11 corporate sponsors
6 major media partners
day-of-game Fanfest that drew 10,000 visitors
corporate hospitality event with private performance by Sarah McLachlan
in-game appearances by Nelly Furtado and Bedouin Soundclash
self-produced 1-hour highlight show that ran nationally on Rogers Sportsnet
$400,000 net profit for disadvantaged kids

Step 3 Sports & Entertainment provided a turnkey management and marketing service to the Foundation and built a fundraising model for Steve Nash to help facilitate his fundraising goals in the Lower Mainland for many years to come.