A Journey for 9/11
Winuk Communications managed all national public relations for this two-year campaign that raised $6 million in cash and in-kind donations for the medical treatment and monitoring of thousands of ailing rescue and recovery workers of Ground Zero from all 50 states.
The campaign featured and promoted a 3,003-mile cross-country walk by retired NY Giants legend and Super Bowl XXI champion George Martin, who founded Journey. The agency, which received three national public relations awards for its work on Journey, secured more than 800 interviews for Mr. Martin; directed all government relations for the campaign; crafted speeches and collateral materials; staged numerous press conferences and other events throughout the nation -- including what was likely the first press conference ever on the George Washington Bridge; another media event on Capitol Hill, at which six members of Congress joined Mr. Martin in advocating for the rescue and recovery workers; and a massive finish line media event in San Diego.
Winuk’s work on A Journey for 9/11 was widely covered in public relations trade media and recognized with three national PR industry awards.
Two Bulldog Reporter Silver Awards for “Best General Consumer Campaign” and “Best Not for Profit/Association/Government Campaign.”
Bronze Anvil Award for “Excellence in Media Relations – Associations/Nonprofit Organizations,” awarded by the Public Relations Society of America.
Media Events
Winuk Communications staged numerous media events throughout the United States to promote Journey, including at the George Washington Bridge in NYC, on Capitol Hill with members of Congress, at the Oklahoma City National Memorial, and at Journey’s finish line at Balboa Park in San Diego, CA.
NYC launch press conference: George Washington Bridge
Oklahoma City National Memorial
Washington, D.C. press conference
San Diego, CA,
finish line media event
The agency also coordinated events and appearances at Giants Stadium, Madison Square Garden, Hall of Flame Fire Museum (Phoenix), Sports Museum of America (NYC), NASCAR, 9/11 Memorial, Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum and at many other locations and events. Helped facilitate the receipt of numerous national awards and recognition for Mr. Martin, including the “Heisman Humanitarian Award,” “ABC World News Person of the Week (and Person of the Year)” and “ESPY Hummer Award.” Directed media relations and events for the promotion of “Just Around the Bend,” Mr. Martin’s memoir about his life and the Journey. Media coverage of Journey included extensive reporting by ABC News, The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, HBO Sports, Associated Press, CNN, FOX News, ESPN, CNBC, CBS News, NFL Network, YES Network, Sports Business Journal and hundreds of other national, local, first responder, sports, healthcare, philanthropy and other media outlets.
