Ink to the People: Blog Blog https://inktothepeople.com/ Thu, 28 Mar 2024 23:32:09 GMT urn:store:1:blog:post:96 https://inktothepeople.com/blog-wisconsin-humane-society-pet-walk-2019 Hello Milwaukee, Hello Wisconsin and Hello World! <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-0c8b3366-7fff-5abd-e414-463fb53e7965" style="font-size: 10pt;">By Kim Brunner (kim@inktothepeople.com)</span></em></p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">The Ink Team is back in action, and with the warm, summer weather, the blue skies rolling in and the temperatures rising, we’re excited to share our adventures and experiences!</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Last month, Ink to the People took part in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/WiscHumane/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=3193634470648427&amp;ref=page_internal" target="_blank">The Wisconsin Humane Society’s Pet Walk</a> at Veteran’s Park (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/InktothePeople/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=2378415285578544" target="_blank">check out some photos here</a>). We thought this would be a great opportunity to reconnect with our local community, share how we make t-shirt fundraising easy, and meet all the doggos and dog lovers in Milwaukee! We wanted to participate in this event not only because we are crazy for pups, but also because we wanted to support our partners -- we have helped the Wisconsin Humane Society (WHS) raise $3,380.00 (and counting) through the power of selling t-shirts! Have a look at <a href="http://www.inktothepeople.com/wisconsin-humane-society-3" target="_blank">their apparel</a> (all proceeds support the WHS mission).</span></p> <p dir="ltr"> </p> <p dir="ltr" style="padding-left: 30px;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;"><img src="/images/uploaded/66278036_3193669167311624_1403637690775109632_o-Copy-1.jpg" alt="Kim, Martha, Grace &amp; Alli at the Ink to the People Tent" width="389" height="419" /></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">WHS started their own fundraising campaign on our platform, and their custom apparel helped them meet their annual goals, save more lives, feed more pets, and help give each loving pet a home. (Personally, I had the privilege of illustrating these custom designs! Give us a call if you ever need design help. Either Alli, our marketing director, or I can help!) Today, we still help and support WHS by keeping their <a href="http://www.inktothepeople.com/wisconsin-humane-society-3">storefron</a>t live (at no cost) with new art.</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">This years Pet Walk also featured the extremely popular WHS Annual 5k Run – hundreds of dogs and dog-owners united to run, jog, or walk a course set throughout Veterans Park! Man, what a sight (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/WiscHumane/photos/?tab=album&amp;album_id=3193634470648427&amp;ref=page_internal" target="_blank">click here to see photos</a>)! 👏🐕❤️🐩  </span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Many of you may have known the Pet Walk as “Tails on the Trail” in years past. As of last year, WHS acquired two new shelters (Green Bay and Door County). With Pet Walk’s already in place at both the Green Bay and Door County campuses, WHS set out to honor all the Pet Walks and offer consistency across all locations, the Milwaukee event has adopted the “Pet Walk” name! Congratulations to the The Wisconsin Humane Society for its growth and continued success!</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Ink had such an incredible time talking about the website platform and fundraising possibilities! In an effort to connect with as many new faces as possible, we brought our spin-to-win wheel, and people had the chance to win t-shirts, mugs, or even tote bags. We also had a Raffle to win $250 of Ink merchandise. Jeanna Baer was the lucky winner, and she has her eye on some of our existing campaigns apparel. We also ran into our good friends with the <a href="http://www.midwestconservationdogs.com">Midwest Conservation Dogs – Sniffing for Science. Conservering Nature. Educating Communities.</a> </span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">MCD is a non-profit organization which specializes in the power of the Canine nose detection! They are a powerful team that trains canines, works with other non-profits, as well as restoration ecology. Their most recent campaign on inktothepeople.com, "This Earth Day, help conservation makes scents!", raised over $500 to support their programming!</span></p> <p dir="ltr" style="padding-left: 30px;"><img src="/images/uploaded/61033821_310415729912514_4296053436917196190_n.jpg" alt="This Earth Day, help conservation makes scents!" width="421" height="421" /></p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">It was great to see so many friendly faces who took an interest in who we are and what we do. The people behind Ink are t-shirt obsessed, fundraising facilitators that partner with individuals, businesses, and non-profits alike. Share your story and raise money for literally any charitable cause of your choosing.</span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: &quot;book antiqua&quot;, palatino;">For more information on how to start, contact us at <a href="mailto:hello@inktothepeople.com">hello@inktothepeople.com</a> or call us at 1.888.862.2755. Let’s #stopwishing and #startdoing together – visit <a href="http://www.inktothepeople.com/campaign">www.inktothepeople.com/campaign</a>. </span></p> <p dir="ltr"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong><span style="font-family: 'book antiqua', palatino;">Every t-shirt tells a story, so share yours with the world today!</span></strong></span></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:95 https://inktothepeople.com/spotlight-tomstribe SPOTLIGHT: #TomsTribe <div class="section-inner sectionLayout--insetColumn" style="text-align: left;"> <h2 class="section-inner sectionLayout--insetColumn" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</h2> <h2 class="section-inner sectionLayout--insetColumn" style="text-align: center;"><em>&ldquo;Organizing a fundraiser to raise awareness about the disease that had just flipped our world upside down gave me some control back.&rdquo; </em></h2> <h2 class="section-inner sectionLayout--insetColumn" style="text-align: center;"><em>&mdash; Erin&nbsp;Hoffman</em></h2> <figure id="0f57" class="graf graf--figure graf-after--p"> <div class="aspectRatioPlaceholder is-locked"> <div class="progressiveMedia js-progressiveMedia graf-image is-canvasLoaded is-imageLoaded" style="text-align: left;" data-image-id="1*FZHsMWCT_CMj2NoIVWlndg.jpeg" data-width="960" data-height="640" data-is-featured="true" data-action="zoom" data-action-value="1*FZHsMWCT_CMj2NoIVWlndg.jpeg" data-scroll="native"><canvas class="progressiveMedia-canvas js-progressiveMedia-canvas" width="75" height="50"></canvas><img class="progressiveMedia-image js-progressiveMedia-image" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/640/1*FZHsMWCT_CMj2NoIVWlndg.jpeg" alt="" data-src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/640/1*FZHsMWCT_CMj2NoIVWlndg.jpeg" /></div> </div> </figure> <p class="graf graf--p graf-after--p">&nbsp;</p> <p class="graf graf--p graf-after--p">Simply put, the word &ldquo;tribe&rdquo; can be described as a group of people that share a common quality, whether it&rsquo;s a belief, custom, or interest. This group can be a large family, adopted strangers, or a community that unites to give back to their neighbor. That&rsquo;s exactly where the idea for #TomsTribe sparked&mdash; out of pure love and endless support shown by those close to Tom, near and far.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p id="0292" class="graf graf--p graf-after--p">It all started after Tom and Erin made a life-changing trip to the emergency room in March of 2017. Tom was in Madison to take his eldest son to his high school basketball tournament. Shortly after the trip, he experienced some stomach cramping but assumed he caught something from one of the other children, who felt ill as well. After agonizing pain that lasted nearly a week, the pair was convinced it was either a bug or appendicitis. They were stunned when they heard Tom&rsquo;s diagnosis&hellip;</p> <p id="15d8" class="graf graf--p graf-after--p"><strong><span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong">Retroperitoneal liposarcoma.</span></strong></p> <p>In an effort to remain positive during such a negative time, dedicated wife, Erin, launched a t-shirt fundraiser to unite supporters as he fights the disease. Erin was able to keep the fundraiser a secret so supporters and loved ones could surprise Tom using the hashtags #TomsTribe and #StrongerThanSarcoma just a day before his surgery. This showed Tom the overwhelming amount of support he has in the community, and uplifted his spirits as he fights the disease.</p> </div> <div class="section-inner sectionLayout--insetColumn" style="text-align: left;"> <p id="084c" class="graf graf--p graf-after--figure" style="text-align: left;">All of the products displayed &ldquo;Tom&rsquo;s Tribe&rdquo; in bold lettering with #StrongerThanSarcoma just below that. The 12 items in the campaign were a variety of grey apparel suitable for anyone &mdash; ladies, men, and children. Erin relaunched the campaign three times based off of popular demand. As a result, she was able to raise over $3,500 for both of the organizations that helped her and her family through this process. But that&rsquo;s not all &mdash; she was able to uplift Tom&rsquo;s spirit prior to his intensive surgery.</p> <p id="b74a" class="graf graf--p graf-after--p">This was a fraction of the result.</p> <p class="graf graf--p graf-after--p">&nbsp;</p> <p class="graf graf--p graf-after--p" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/600/1*iYIw-BWUvysAWChbKgsRmQ.jpeg" alt="" /></p> <p class="graf graf--p graf-after--p" style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/600/1*EJERMGAHJXRb0RhjxFliww.jpeg" alt="" /></p> <p class="graf graf--p graf-after--p" style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> </div> <div class="section-inner sectionLayout--outsetRow" data-paragraph-count="3"> <figure id="5024" class="graf graf--figure graf--layoutOutsetRowContinue is-partialWidth graf-after--figure" data-scroll="native"> <div class="aspectRatioPlaceholder is-locked"> <h2 class="aspectRatioPlaceholder-fill" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://medium.com/inktothepeople/spotlight-tomstribe-118467ccbc80">Read Erin's Full Interview&nbsp;&rarr;</a></h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> </div> </figure> </div> urn:store:1:blog:post:93 https://inktothepeople.com/we-helped-raise-130000-for-the-boston-womens-march-for-america-updated We Helped Raise $130,000 for the Boston Women’s March for America (Updated) <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/1-FqYIijucnRGP8XbkOCEPKg.jpeg" alt="" width="713" height="255" /></p> <p class="graf graf--p graf-after--figure"><em>Since this blog was posted, Ink to the People raised nearly $130,000 dollars for the Boston Women&rsquo;s March for America. Throughout the process, we sold t-shirts, hoodies, and knit beanies that were worn by nearly 10,000 men, women and children. Roughly 200,000 people were present at the Women&rsquo;s March in Boston and we are honored to have been a small part of it.</em></p> <p id="f7ad" class="graf graf--p graf-after--figure">We are thrilled to share with you that we have been working with the Boston Women&rsquo;s March for America as their gear provider and fundraising platform! The Boston Women&rsquo;s March for America unites in Boston, MA to march in solidarity for communities oppressed by hate throughout the nation. They are part of 100+ simultaneous marches around the world that are marching for equality, decency and justice.</p> <blockquote> <p id="bde8" class="graf graf--pullquote graf--startsWithDoubleQuote graf-after--p" style="text-align: center;"><span class="markup--strong markup--pullquote-strong">&ldquo;Together, we will send a message to our leaders and the world, that the United States of America&nbsp;</span><span class="markup--strong markup--pullquote-strong">stands&nbsp;</span>for values of human decency, equal rights and freedom from discrimination.&rdquo;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span class="markup--strong markup--pullquote-strong">&mdash; Boston Women&rsquo;s March for&nbsp;America</span></p> </blockquote> <p id="cebf" class="graf graf--p graf-after--pullquote">But we are more than just their merchandise<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong">&nbsp;</span>provider<span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong"> </span>&mdash; we are their fundraising partner. Like our comrades, we are inspired to take action within the community and engage individuals in the challenges that face our nation.</p> <p id="c492" class="graf graf--p graf-after--p">A portion of each tshirt benefits the March and a fraction of that amount pays for production expenses. You can get your official Boston Women&rsquo;s March tshirt, knit beanie and/or hoodie by visiting our site.</p> <p id="cc05" class="graf graf--p graf-after--mixtapeEmbed"><span class="markup--strong markup--p-strong">Shop before January 8, 2017 to get your items before the March</span>, which will be held Saturday, January 21, 2017 at 11 AM. Visit&nbsp;<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" href="http://bostonwomensmarchforamerica.org/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-href="http://bostonwomensmarchforamerica.org/">Boston Women&rsquo;s March for America</a>&nbsp;for additional event details and information about the amazing work they&rsquo;re doing.</p> <p id="5231" class="graf graf--p graf-after--p">Women&rsquo;s Marches are happening all across our nation on January 21st. If you are not from the Boston area, we encourage you to seek out nearby cities participating in the movement.</p> <p id="8b03" class="graf graf--p graf-after--p graf--trailing"><em class="markup--em markup--p-em">Did you know we are a certified SGP &ldquo;green&rdquo; printer? Learn about our commitment to sustainability, recycling and energy conservation promises on our&nbsp;</em><a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" href="http://inktothepeople.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-href="http://inktothepeople.com"><em class="markup--em markup--p-em">website</em></a><em class="markup--em markup--p-em">.</em></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:92 https://inktothepeople.com/our-winter-giving-initiative-teeswithlove Our Winter Giving Initiative: #TeesWithLove <p id="e6be" class="graf graf--p graf-after--h3"><em class="markup--em markup--p-em">*Since it gets as low as -2 degrees in Milwaukee at night, we believe our brothers and sisters shouldn&rsquo;t endure the brutal weather. Thanks to our Ink community, we donated nearly 150 shirts to local homeless shelters in the Milwaukee area. We&rsquo;d like to thank you for joining us in giving back to our community and helping fight homelessness.</em></p> <blockquote id="2f63" class="graf graf--pullquote graf--startsWithDoubleQuote graf-after--p">&ldquo;Life&rsquo;s most persistent and urgent question is, &lsquo;What are you doing for others?&rsquo;&rdquo; &mdash; Martin Luther King,&nbsp;Jr.</blockquote> <blockquote class="graf graf--pullquote graf--startsWithDoubleQuote graf-after--p">&nbsp;</blockquote> <p id="ed97" class="graf graf--p graf-after--pullquote">Each year, Ink to the People and our sister company,&nbsp;<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" href="http://visualimp.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener nofollow" data-href="http://visualimp.com">Visual Impressions</a>, welcomes the holiday season by donating thousands of shirts to Milwaukee&rsquo;s homeless because we believe in the power of giving back to the community we reside in. As a result, we have been able to provide our brothers and sisters with wearables that will give them an extra layer of warmth during the Winter season.</p> <p id="0629" class="graf graf--p graf-after--p">This year, we were searching for something different. Ink has a devoted mission to commit ourselves to helping people. We are inspired by our users, who passionately and wholeheartedly bring awareness to causes of special significance to them.</p> <p id="3423" class="graf graf--p graf-after--p">We have decided to not silently sit by and allow the men, women and children of Milwaukee without shelter remain cold this winter. We have decided with every share via Facebook, we will double our annual tshirt donations. In doing so, we want to raise awareness for those who endure this harsh weather most.</p> <p id="e1a9" class="graf graf--p graf-after--p">Join us in spreading the message and giving&nbsp;<a class="markup--anchor markup--p-anchor" href="https://www.facebook.com/InktothePeople/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/InktothePeople/">#TeesWithLove!</a></p> <p id="7177" class="graf graf--p graf-after--p graf--trailing">The Ink Team</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:90 https://inktothepeople.com/community-update-summer-2016 Community Update 2016 <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 26pt;"><strong>Summer News&nbsp;</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/13781796_1073345666085519_2011512879555560006_n.png" alt="" width="100%" /></span></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">These past few months have been very busy here at Ink to the People.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ve made a few changes to our site as well as a few additions to our core team. &nbsp;</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">Let&rsquo;s start with our additions &hellip; we&rsquo;d like to welcome Eric Addeo and Cameron Robinson to our Ink team.&nbsp; Eric is our new Chief Marketing Officer and has been focused on our overall operations, Ink to the People&rsquo;s marketing, communication, and brand development.&nbsp; Cameron is our new Director of Social and is developing and managing all of our social channels as well as content development, community posting, our Ink blog and newsletter. &nbsp;</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">Here are some of the changes. Ink to the People is very proud to launch our updated branding and web design.&nbsp; Please let us know what you think. <a href="http://www.inktothepeople.com">Ink to the People </a>We are also working with our development team to improve and simplify our design tool as well as add some key functionality improvements throughout the site.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ll update you once these changes are made over the next two months. &nbsp;</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">Now, since you guys have been pretty busy too, we want to share what some of your fellow fundraisers have been up to the last few months.&nbsp; Several hundred campaigns have been launched, but here are just a few examples from the past few months!&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><strong>Milwaukee Mom's Blog Raised over $900</strong>&nbsp;</span></h1> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">Milwaukee Mom's Blog, a part of the City Mom&rsquo;s Blog Network, raised over $900 for their woman&rsquo;s mental health initiative. Their mission was this:</span></p> <blockquote> <div style="text-align: left;"><em><span style="font-size: 11pt;">"1 in 7 women will experience postpartum depression or a related illness, in a disparate area like Milwaukee County, that number is likely MUCH higher.Moms Mental Health Initiative&rsquo;s staff and volunteers are the boots on the ground &mdash; supporting moms and helping them find professional treatment so they can get better and their families can thrive.If you&rsquo;re a mom suffering from emotional complications during pregnancy or after childbirth, you&rsquo;re not alone. The mission of MMHI is to connect moms in the Greater Milwaukee area to professional resources and mom to mom support for effective recovery from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders such as postpartum depression and anxiety."</span></em></div> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">A huge shout out to the MKE Mom Blog for helping raise funds and bringing a little known community and issue to the forefront!&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/MKEMomsBlog.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> </blockquote> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________________________________________&nbsp;</p> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">The People's Flag of Milwaukee</span></strong></h1> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The new Milwaukee flag was ushered&nbsp;in on June 14th, 2016. The reveal took place at 88nine Radio Milwaukee. All proceeds from sales are going to the&nbsp;<a href="http://greatertogether.me/">Greater Together</a>&nbsp;initiative whose mission is to&nbsp;promotes racial and economic equity in the creative industries in the Greater&nbsp;Milwaukee&nbsp;area.</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 11pt;">"Rated highest amongst four other finalists, as determined by the public, &ldquo;Sunrise Over the Lake&rdquo; will hereby fly as a symbol of potential and aspiration.&nbsp;</span></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Professional designers and facilitators engaged hundreds of students in workshops across the city. Months of social media communications invited amateurs and professionals alike to enter their flag designs. The result was over 1,000 stunning entries.</span></em></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Five expert judges gathered on April 23, 2016 and narrowed down the entries to 45 semifinalists and five finalists. Following the announcement of the five finalists at City Hall on May 14, 2016, Milwaukeeans rated each on a 0&ndash;10 scale to determine the highest rated entry."</span></em></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">Professional designers and facilitators engaged hundreds of students in workshops across the city. Months of social media communications invited amateurs and professionals alike to enter their flag designs. The result was over 1,000 stunning entries.</span></p> <p class="p2" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Five expert judges gathered on April 23, 2016 and narrowed down the entries to 45 semifinalists and five finalists. Following the announcement of the five finalists at City Hall on May 14, 2016, Milwaukeeans rated each on a 0&ndash;10 scale to determine the highest rated entry."</span></p> <p class="p2" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">With the support of the community and city council, The People's Flag of Milwaukee may soon be flying high on city hall, but in the meantime with the help on Ink to the People the MKE Flag has raised over $4,500 for the Greater Together Initiative.&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/Glag Blog.jpg" alt="" width="100%" />&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/FlagPost.png" alt="" width="100%" /></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________________________________________&nbsp;</p> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Joel and Stefani Dunn World Changer - Rising Star Junior School</span></strong></h1> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This month Joel and Stefani Dunn surpassed&nbsp;the $40,000 mark with ease. They are raising money for the Rising Star Junior School, located in Uganada. More on the school:</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><em><span style="font-size: 11pt;">"Rising Star Junior School is located about 30 miles northwest of Kampala in Wakiso District. The school was opened in February 2012 with a student enrollment of 295 students from nursery to an equivalent of 4th grade. Currently, finishing the second year of service, Rising Star has a student enrollment of 370 students and has a teaching staff of 16. In 2013, Rising Star opened a 5th grade class to give the opportunity for the previous years 4th grade class to continue their education at the school, the school will continue to expand through secondary school to meet the needs of the students and community."</span></em></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">You can find out more about Joel and Stefani on their facebook page, check out World Changer while you are at it!&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/joelandstefanidunn/?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/joelandstefanidunn/?fref=ts</a></span></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">This campaign is sending good vibes in every direction, what a great benefit!</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/WorldChanger.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">_______________________________________________________________________________________________&nbsp;</p> <h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I Speak Up for Pit Bulls</span></strong></h1> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1" style="text-align: left;"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">From Mid-June through Mid-July &hellip; I Speak Up for Pit Bulls ran their very successful fundraising campaign.&nbsp; They raised over $800 for Pit Bull support in Montreal, surpassing their goal of $750!&nbsp; Here&rsquo;s more on their mission:&nbsp;</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><em>"The Montreal government seeks to rid the province of all pit bulls by January 2017 and new dogs will not be allowed in. People are at risk of losing their beloved family members.We know that BSL is not the answer, responsible ownership and sensible laws are. We stand with our friends and offer our support at this sad and scary time."</em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">There is still time to act against the Pit Bull ban. For more information, visit their site!</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/IspeakforPitsPromo.jpg" alt="" width="100%" />&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><em><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/v-jcsA1ZWYs" width="420" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></em></span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">That&rsquo;s what we got for now.&nbsp; Keep us posted on what your doing and we&rsquo;ll be sure to share.</span></p> <p class="p2"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Keep up the great work.</span></p> <p class="p2">&nbsp;</p> <p class="p2"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Till next time,</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1" style="font-size: 12pt;">Team Ink</span></p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:88 https://inktothepeople.com/offering-options-will-increase-sales Offering Options can Increase Sales <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/assorted-product-selection.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>One of our newer features is the ability to sell more than one product in your campaign. The availability of styles to sell relies on the color of the item you have chosen. If it is a common color such as black, white, grey, red, or navy you will find many choices to include. The ability to offer more styles increases your opportunity with your supporters to build a larger campaign and raise more funds. The more variety, the better the chance to sell something or many times, multiple items. The average order on INK is just under two items. Take advantage of this feature now and start thinking about your next fundraiser. <a href="https://inktothepeople.com/campaignwizard/step1" target="_blank">Begin your design</a> now and see the difference. Or you can learn more about the process <a href="https://inktothepeople.com/how-it-works" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:87 https://inktothepeople.com/t-shirt-sale-clean-drinking-water T-shirt Sale = Clean Drinking Water <p><strong>Meet Joel Dunn -</strong></p> <p><img style="float: left; margin-right: 20px; margin-bottom: 20px;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/joel afr - Copy 1.jpg" alt="Joel Dunn" width="33%" /></p> <p>Joel and his wife Stefani launched an extremely successful campaign on Ink to the People recently to raise funds for clean drinking water in Uganda. They were authentic with their campaign raising money for a need which most of us take for granted. After they performed so well and their supporters were asking for more, they launched a second campaign and collectively they raised over $7000.</p> <p><strong>Their Cause: Drinking Well and Storage</strong></p> <p>In Wakiso, Uganda, school children have not had access to clean drinking water until recently as a result of Joel and Stefani Dunn's t-shirt campaign. They used to walk almost 2 miles each way and carry heavy containers of water instead of learning in the classroom at their school. With the funds recently contributed by the Dunns, these kids can now spend more time learning and less time transporting water.</p> <p>Selling 543 shirts gave them the necessary funds to build: 2 x 10,000 liter water towers, 1 x 50,000 underground container, and 1 x new well to fill all of them. We are proud to be a small part of their success.</p> <p>Do you have a cause that you are passionate about? <span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong><a href="https://inktothepeople.com/how-it-works" target="_blank">Get Started</a></strong></span> with your t-shirt fundraiser, raise some funds, and make a difference.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/Wrapped.JPG" alt="Wrapped with Love" width="100%" height="NaN" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:86 https://inktothepeople.com/fall-promo-extra-100 Start a fundraiser today and you could receive an additional $100! <p style="text-align: left;"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/Fundraiser Charity Extra $100.jpg" alt="receive additionanl $100 promotion" width="100%" height="NaN" /></p> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Ink to the People is excited to announce a Fall promotion that helps you receive $100 more funds to donate to a cause of your choice. Yes, you heard that right, MORE MONEY to give to a cause that means a lot to you. We're pretty sure no other t-shirt fundraiser company is offering that to you right now.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Starting now until November 30th, 2015, everyone that starts a t-shirt fundraising campaign, and raises a minimum of $100 in funds, will receive an additional $100 from Ink to the People to donate to the individual or organization of your choice!</p> <p style="text-align: left;">Just imagine how grateful your local charity or friend in need is going to be after you create a successful fundraiser by simply uploading a design, choosing a tee or item to sell, and then share with the world. It's that simple.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">To get started with your campaign and start raising money today, click <a href="https://inktothepeople.com/campaignwizard/step1" target="_blank" data-cke-saved-href="https://inktothepeople.com/campaignwizard/step1">HERE</a>. Best wishes and thank you for using Ink to the People for your t-shirt fundraiser! Click the "Contact Us" button for any questions.</p> <p style="text-align: left;">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-align: left;"><strong>OFFICIAL PROMOTION TERMS: </strong></p> <p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><em>Starting on October 15th, 2015 at 12:00 am CST, for each t-shirt campaign that is launched and raises at least $100 of funds by November 30th, 2015, Ink to the People will donate an additional $100 to your cause. The promotion ends on November 30th, 2015 at 11:59pm CST. Any campaign that starts after this time is not eligible for the additional $100 of campaign proceeds. If the campaign sells a minimum of $100 by the completion of the campaign, it is then eligible for the additional $100 of campaign proceeds&nbsp; At the end of the campaign, the total [original amount raised plus the $100 bonus] will be sent to the individual or organization designated.</em> </span></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:84 https://inktothepeople.com/spot-abuse-2015 T-Shirt Fundraiser Spotlight: Spot Abuse <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/InkToThePeople_SpotAbuse_Twitter.png" alt="Spot Abuse T-Shirt" width="100%" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you to Spot Abuse for choosing Ink to the People to create their t-shirt campaign. These unique shirts were designed by local Milwaukee art directors that work for Serve Marketing, the agency that utilizes their creative talents to raise awareness for this cause.</p> <p>Read more about this initiative below and click&nbsp;<a href="http://inktothepeople.com/spot-abuse" target="_blank">HERE</a> to purchase a t-shirt to help fund The Spot Abuse Project.</p> <p><strong>ABOUT THE SPOT ABUSE PROJECT</strong></p> <p>The <a style="color: #ff9f40; font-weight: 500;" href="http://spotabuse.org/" target="_blank">Spot Abuse Project</a> is an effort, being piloted in Milwaukee, to reduce the growing percentage of domestic violence, by encouraging more residents to dial 9-1-1 when they suspect animal abuse. The effort is based on research from the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys that found 76% of animal abusers also abuse a member of their family. The premise is that if more people can be convinced to dial 911 when they suspect animal abuse (an act generally considered to be easier than reporting domestic abuse), that the police will then have the opportunity to uncover a higher number of domestic violence cases.</p> <p>The campaign to inspire residents to report animal abuse is key to the success of the program. If we don't move people to make the first call, the cycle of violence will continue. To sustain an effective level of reach and frequency for the awareness campaign in Milwaukee throughout the year, funding is needed. Your donation is greatly needed.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <div class="video-container-16x9"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TyuXkdqvJpw" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <h3>ABOUT THE ARTISTS:</h3> <p><strong>Carsyn Taylor McKenzie</strong> is a Milwaukee-based graphic artist who has a love for all animals. She believes that animals are a major part of any family and her design was based around the different four-legged family members in her life.</p> <p><strong>Nick Heiser</strong> is an Associate Art Director at BVK. He has worked on the Spot Abuse project throughout this past year and has been a dog lover his whole life. His goal was to design a simple shirt that could be enjoyed by all dog lovers alike.</p> <p><strong>Kelsey Barnowsky</strong> is an art director and designer from Milwaukee. Aside from designing, she enjoys meditation, yoga, the outdoors and learning about the universe. Many of her personal designs incorporate these aspects. Her design for Spot Abuse represents dogs as majestic creatures. She believes they are wise, intuitive and spiritual animals that teach us unconditional love and are physical guardian angels. After having three very unique dogs in her life, she wanted to create a design that spoke to their loving and divine nature. The spots in the design are a tie back to the Spot Abuse campaign.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:83 https://inktothepeople.com/alex-lemonade-stand-2015 Northwestern Mutual & Alex's Lemonade Stand <p class="p1"><span class="s1"><strong><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/alex-lemonade-1.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></strong></span></p> <h6 id="d06a" class="graf graf--h4 graf--startsWithDoubleQuote graf-after--h3 graf--subtitle" style="text-align: center;">Pictured: "The Lemonade Ladies" - Carolyn Cento, Jenny Rae Peterson, and Alicia Lorino after sorting through over 800 t-shirts</h6> <h2 class="graf graf--h4 graf--startsWithDoubleQuote graf-after--h3 graf--subtitle">&nbsp;</h2> <h2 class="graf graf--h4 graf--startsWithDoubleQuote graf-after--h3 graf--subtitle" style="text-align: center;">&ldquo;At our company, employees love three things:</h2> <h2 class="graf graf--h4 graf--startsWithDoubleQuote graf-after--h3 graf--subtitle" style="text-align: center;">t-shirts, jean days, and supporting a good&nbsp;cause.&rdquo;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p id="3d0e" class="graf graf--p graf-after--h4">In 2012, Northwestern Mutual launched a campaign to raise money and create awareness for their Childhood Cancer Program. In doing so, they partnered with Alex&rsquo;s Lemonade Stand, a local Milwaukee nonprofit. Together, we helped provide support for families by raising over $15,000 for cancer research.</p> <p class="p1">We reached out to the Lemonade Days volunteer coordinator, Jenny Rae, about their fundraising efforts!</p> <p class="p3"><span class="s2"><strong>What is the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation?</strong></span></p> <p class="p3"><span class="s1"><img style="float: right; padding-left: 15px; max-width: 50%;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/alex-lemonade-2.jpg" alt="" />At the age of four &ndash; while battling cancer &ndash; Alexandra &ldquo;Alex&rdquo; Scott announced that she wanted to hold a lemonade stand and give the proceeds to doctors so they could &ldquo;help other kids, like they helped me.&rdquo; Alex and her family built a stand and for one weekend in June she sold lemonade. Over the next four years, Alex held her stand each June. She set a goal to raise $1 million. As word spread, more people stopped at her stand to buy lemonade. Then something amazing happened: other kids and adults from around the world started holding stands in her honor and sending her the donations. In August of 2004, shortly after Alex and her supporters raised $1 million for childhood cancer research, she passed away. Alex started a movement that her parents, Jay and Liz Scott, continue today through Alex&rsquo;s Lemonade Stand Foundation. As of 2015, ALSF has raised more than $75 million and funded more than 375 research projects across North America.</span></p> <p class="p7"><span class="s2"><strong>How did Northwestern Mutual get involved with ALSF?</strong></span></p> <p class="p7"><span class="s1">Cancer is the <a href="http://inktothepeople.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=bca406400a84c422e68120ca0&amp;id=2e8172476f&amp;e=ccfe4f861b"><span class="s4">leading cause of death</span></a> by disease in children from ages 1 to 19 in the U.S. Yet, childhood cancer research and services are vastly and consistently underfunded. That&rsquo;s why Northwestern Mutual launched its Childhood Cancer Program in 2012 to accelerate the search for cures to childhood cancers and to provide support to families battling the disease. Northwestern Mutual is committed to working with nonprofit partners such as ALSF.</span></p> <p class="p7"><span class="s2"><strong>Why did you decide to do the t-shirt fundraiser?</strong></span></p> <p class="p7"><span class="s1">We wanted to find a way to create a lasting impact that could be shared beyond the walls of our campuses.&nbsp; At our company, employees love three things: t-shirts, jeans days, and supporting a good cause.&nbsp; We were thrilled to be able to satisfy all three through our t-shirt campaign.&nbsp; Much to our surprise, we sold 701 shirts with last year's campaign and are hoping to match that this year!</span></p> <p class="p7"><span class="s2"><strong>What have you liked most about your campaign with Ink to the People?</strong></span></p> <p class="p7"><span class="s1">We&rsquo;ve had a great experience with Ink to the People and loved the idea that we could create a shirt that would give back in so many ways.&nbsp; Ink to the People made the process simple, were always incredibly helpful and responsive, and provided us with a terrific product that created a lasting impression.&nbsp; Long after the campaign is done, our message will be out in the world thanks to the work of Ink to the People.&nbsp; We were nervous about taking on such a large project, but Ink to the People made the process less daunting, so all we had to focus on was spreading the word and driving people to order our shirts.&nbsp; We&rsquo;ve utilized emails, posters, Yammer, and any other channel we can get our hands on!&nbsp; Thanks to Ink to the People, we&rsquo;re able to make an impact that&rsquo;s even larger than we could have ever imagined!</span></p> <p class="p1"><span class="s1">If you have a cause you're passionate about, we hope you'll consider designing a shirt and <a href="https://inktothepeople.com/campaigns">launching a fundraising campaign today.</a></span></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:81 https://inktothepeople.com/support-your-home-away-from-home Support Your Home Away From Home <p><br /><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/a-home-away-from-home-tshirt"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/RMH-3C-Logo-Horz.jpg" width="75%" height="NaN" /></a></p> <p>Since 1984, The Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin has been dedicated to easing the burden of families whose lives have been disrupted as a result of their child&rsquo;s illness or injury.</p> <p>More than 35,000 families have stayed at the Milwaukee location while their child received critical medical care. Families from 568 Wisconsin communities, 50 states and 26 foreign countries have stayed at their Ronald McDonald House. They offer a place to call home at little or no cost so families can stay together, helping their child heal faster.</p> <p>In addition to a place to stay, they offer families a supportive community of over 600 volunteers that are dedicated to make the lives of the families staying at the house easier.&nbsp;</p> <p>Most importantly, the House offers the emotional support and friendship of other families facing very similar situations.</p> <p>After many years of having an extensive waiting list, they&rsquo;ve recently expanded to accommodate more families and offer the following amenities:</p> <ul> <li><em>70 private guest rooms</em></li> <li><em>New entrance and reception area</em></li> <li><em>Fitness center</em></li> <li><em>Computer room</em></li> <li><em>Study room</em></li> <li><em>Game room</em></li> <li><em>Music therapy room</em></li> <li><em>Two level parking structure</em></li> <li><em>Expanded dining facilities</em></li> <li><em>Expanded Family Meal Program</em></li> </ul> <p>The expansion cost was more than $10 million and, to date, they have raised $8.5 million.</p> <p>This is where The Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin&nbsp;needs your help.</p> <p>We&rsquo;ve designed a limited edition <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/a-home-away-from-home-tshirt" target="_blank">&ldquo;Ronald McDonald House&rdquo; t-shirt</a>&nbsp;that will help further support their mission. <strong>During the month of January, for every shirt sold of the Ronald McDonald House t-shirt design, we are donating 1/3 of every sale. Get yours before they're gone - sale ends 1/31/15!</strong></p> <p>We're honored to be supporting their efforts as they help provide a <strong>&ldquo;home away from home&rdquo;</strong> and caring outreach initiative to families in our community.&nbsp;</p> <p>To <a href="http://rmhcmilwaukee.org/about/">learn more</a> about The Ronald McDonald House Charities Eastern Wisconsin&nbsp;and the wonderful programs, please visit their <a href="http://rmhcmilwaukee.org/">website</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/a-home-away-from-home-tshirt" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/0012058_a-home-away-from-home.png" alt="Home Away From Home T-shirt " width="75%" height="NaN" /></a></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:82 https://inktothepeople.com/thanks-for-great-2104 Thanks For A Great 2014 <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/unnamed.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>The End of the Year is a wonderful time for reflection. As we take stock from the campaigns we ran in 2014 and continue to plan for the days, months and year to come, we are excited to share some results for the year and fill you in on what we have planned for 2015.</p> <p>To date, together we helped run <strong>929 successful campaigns, print 237,552 t-shirts and raise $1,350,057</strong>. By the time you&rsquo;ve read these words, those numbers will continue to grow. Additionally, we will continue to add campaigns and work with some great organizations. Both our user generated and curated campaigns will continue to evolve.</p> <p>These results are yours as much as they are ours. Your ongoing contributions via campaigns, purchases, and sharing have all contributed to their overall success.</p> <p><strong>Here are some of the most successful campaigns of 2014:</strong></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2><a href="http://www.neads.org/valentine4boston-flash-mob"><strong>Valentine4Boston</strong></a></h2> <p>Proceeds from the sale of the #Valentine4Boston t-shirt went directly to the Pawsitively Strong fund. These funds provide service dogs at NO COST to survivors of the Boston Marathon bombings who have sustained a permanent injury.​</p> <p><strong>Total Results:</strong></p> <p><em>- 434 shirts sold<br /> - $6,300 raised</em></p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace/ink-detail/16156"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/570-4_1.png" alt="" width="33%" /></a></p> <h2>&nbsp;</h2> <h2>&nbsp;</h2> <h2><strong><a href="http://www.bestforbabes.org/">Best for Babes</a></strong></h2> <p>Every purchase from the official shirt of the 1st Nationwide Miracle Milk&trade; Mother's Day Stroll for Babes helped benefit Best for Babes and their partners to accomplish their mission of helping more moms to get more milk to more infants in need.</p> <p><strong>Total Results:</strong></p> <p>- 439 shirts sold<br /> - $4,321 raised</p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace/ink-detail/20285"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/570-5_1.png" alt="" width="33%" /></a></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>&nbsp;</h2> <h2>&nbsp;</h2> <h2><strong><a href="http://guardianrottweilers.com/">Guardian Rottweilers</a></strong></h2> <p>Proceeds from the sale of the Guardian Rottweilers t-shirt went directly to help connect courageous guardians and loyal companions, using the best German and European bloodlines to produce calm, confident, courageous dogs.</p> <p><strong>Total Results:</strong></p> <p><em>- 183 shirts sold<br /> - $3,752 raised</em></p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace/ink-detail/31209"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/570-6_1.png" alt="" width="33%" /></a></p> <p>Staggering statistics aside, our mission is to help give back to great organizations. We want to continue to build a community and evolve our platform to make it easy to raise funds for your favorite organizations.</p> <p><strong>And to make it easier for you to help fundraise, we&rsquo;re happy to announce the launch of our new website.</strong></p> <p>Here are a few features you can expect from our new site.</p> <p><em>- Improved User Experience<br /> - Increased Sharing Options<br /> - Advanced Design Tools and Product Offerings </em></p> <p>We&rsquo;re looking forward to a big 2015. We encourage you to keep creating and sharing campaigns close to your heart. Keep posting your feedback and let us know what organizations we should partner with.</p> <p>Keep your eye out for some great campaigns this coming year.</p> <p>Here&rsquo;s to all the best in 2015. Thank you for all your support!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:79 https://inktothepeople.com/movember-tshirt-design-ideas If You Mustache... <h1 style="text-align: center;">It's that time of year again - turkey, stuffing and... mustaches?</h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/health-tshirt-charities"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/movember-blog-header.jpg" alt="Support Mens Health Awareness with these Movember t-shirts" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>In recent years, the trend of growing a mustache during November isn't just a fashion statement - it's also a social one - it's helping to change the "face" of men's health.</p> <p>As you may know by the men around you, they don't tend to go to the doctor much and can generally be curmudgeonly when it comes to talking about their health and well being, which is why it's all the more important to get them to go to the doctor. <a href="http://us.movember.com/" target="_blank">Movember</a> is meant to raise awareness about Prostate Cancer, Testicular Cancer and Mental Health for men.</p> <p>Fortunately, a fun way to raise awareness has emerged through facial hair. And thanks to the trend of fancy facial hair, even those who can't grow a mustache can wear one, making a fashion statement and giving back.</p> <p>If you don't want to grow one or can't don a mustach, a wearable version is a great alternative way to help support Movember. Wear it on a t-shirt, a tote or even on your pup and raise funds for the important men in your life (and make sure they go get a check-up!).</p> <p>We've created and INKspiration Pinterest board dedicated to Movember to provide you with a few Mustachioed ideas for t-shirt designs. <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration-i-mustache-you-about-movember/">Take a look</a> and get started!</p> <p><strong>One last thing! Don't have time to design and sell your own t-shirt but still want to contribute? We've designed our own Movember t-shirts. For every t-shirt you buy from our Movember line, we'll donate 1/3 of the price of that shirt to the Movember Foundation. The limited edition t-shirt is only available during November. Get yours today!</strong></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:78 https://inktothepeople.com/giving-back-patriot-paws Giving Back Program: November 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: Patriot PAWS</h1> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/GivingBack_PatriotPaws.png" alt="Ink to the People Gives back each month. In November, we're giving back to Patriot PAWS - a service dog organization." width="100%" /></p> <p>Patriot PAWS trains and provides service dogs of the highest quality, at no cost, to disabled American veterans and others with mobile disabilities in order to help restore their physical and emotional independence.</p> <p>Patriot PAWS trains service dogs to perform various behaviors including help for patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They set out to increase a person's self-sufficiency. Services performed by each dog depend on the needs of the owner. Some of the services provided to assist disabled veterans in accomplishing daily tasks that would otherwise be difficult or impossible, include:</p> <ul> <li>Getting help in emergencies</li> <li>Recognizing and averting PTSD episodes</li> <li>Picking up and retrieving items</li> <li>Opening and closing doors</li> <li>Pulling wheelchairs</li> <li>Providing bracing to stand, walk and sit down</li> <li>Helping with chores, such as laundry</li> <li>Taking off shoes and socks</li> </ul> <p>Once matched, Patriot PAWS continues its work with matched veterans and dogs as they learn to work together as a team. <a href="http://patriotpaws.org/" target="_blank">Learn more</a> about this great organization.</p> <p>We're honored to be supporting this organization as they help provide much needed services for U.S. veterans.</p> <p><strong>In addition to giving back 10 cents of every shirt sold on InkToThePeople.com during the month of November, we've also designed a limited edition t-shirt that will further support their mission. For every shirt sold of the "Patriot Paws" t-shirt designs, we'll be donating 1/3 of the price. Get yours before they're gone - sale ends 11/30/14!</strong></p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/animal-tshirt-charities"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/blog-header-patriot-paws.jpg" alt="Ink to the People Gives back each month. In November, we're giving back to Patriot PAWS - a service dog organization." width="100%" /></a></p> <p><a class="extra-large-button-orange" title="Shop Animal T-shirt Fundraisers" href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/animal-tshirt-charities" target="_self">shop now</a></p> <p>How our <strong>Giving Back Program</strong> works: Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over $7,000.00 to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:77 https://inktothepeople.com/domestic-violence-awareness Domestic Violence Awareness Month <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/DomesticViolence_tshirt.png" alt="October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month | Design a Shirt and Give Back to this important cause" width="100%" /></p> <p>While Breast Cancer Awareness gets quite a bit of funding, hype and exposure, especially during its "official" month of October, there are many other important issues that need funding and affect thousands, if not millions.</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/DomesticViolence_Badge.png" alt="Domestic Violence Awareness Month | #SeeDV Badge" width="33%" /></p> <p>Unfortunately, one issue and cause that unfortunately seems to still be a major problem, and getting a lot of press lately due to NFL players and celebrities speaking out, is Domestic Violence.</p> <p>October is also Domestic Violence Awareness month. Unfortunately, even in the 21st century, with the push for gender equality, human rights and womens' strong role in society, it is estimated that 25% of women experience domestic abuse.*</p> <p>Whether you have been a victim or know someone who needs help, this cause continues to need attention. Doing just a little bit to help organizations that fight domestic violence by desiging and selling t-shirts or perhaps organizing a team shirt for a walk/race can help give back and bring more awareness to this terrible, ongoing issue. Every little bit helps!</p> <p>Great organizations that can use your help include the <a href="http://www.ncadv.org/index.php" target="_blank">National Coalition Against Domestic Violence</a>, <a href="http://www.thehotline.org/how-i-seedv-2014/" target="_blank">The National Domestic Violence Hotline</a>, <a href="http://nomore.org/" target="_blank">NoMore.org</a> as well as this <a href="http://greatist.com/happiness/stop-domestic-violence-organizations" target="_blank">great list</a> of domestic violence awareness organizations (and article).</p> <p><strong>And, if you find yourself needing help for a domestic violence issue, please, please call: 1.800.799.SAFE (7223).</strong></p> <p>*Source: The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:76 https://inktothepeople.com/halloween-tshirt-costume-ideas Halloween Costume T-Shirt Ideas <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Halloween_Blog2.png" alt="Halloween Costume T-Shirt Ideas | Pumpkin, Skeleton, Ghost" width="100%" /></p> <p>It's not too late to get your group Halloween costume together! And even better? Put it on a t-shirt that does good by giving back. Need some INKspiration? Check out our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration-trick-or-treat/" target="_blank">Trick-or-Treat Pinterest Board</a> for ideas.</p> <p>There are a lot of great costume ideas that can be super easy to execute. Anything from the simple pumpkin patch to a gaggle of "Where's Waldos" or as the entire crew of Pacman ghosts, chasing Pacman and Miss Pacman.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Halloween_Pacman.png" alt="Halloween t-Shirt Costume Ides | Pacman" width="100%" /></p> <p>The silver lining? Every shirt sold on <a href="http://inktothepeople.com">InkToThePeople.com</a> gives back to a great Halloween-themed cause in October. This month, we're giving 10 cents of every shirt sold on the site to UNICEF's <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/blog/ink-to-the-people/2014-10/october-2014-giving-back-unicef">Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF</a> program which provides much need funds to children worldwide for programs such as vaccinations, food, clean water and more.</p> <p>By simply desiging and buying/selling t-shirts on Ink to the People, you're helping to make the world better, Halloween-themed or not.</p> <p>BUT - if you decide to get your Halloween group costume together and <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/how-it-works">design a t-shirt</a> for it, do it soon! Halloween is just around the bend and we want to ensure your shirt goes to print and is delivered in plenty of time.</p> <p>Questions? Drop us a line or shoot us an email. 1-888-862-2775 or hello[at]inktothepeople.com.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:74 https://inktothepeople.com/october-2014-giving-back-unicef Giving Back Program: October 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF</h1> <h1 style="text-align: center;">&nbsp;</h1> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/halloween-family.jpg" alt="Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF" width="100%" /></p> <p>Since 1950, UNICEF has been helping kids who need more than candy during the season of Halloween. We're doing our part this year by giving back in two ways. During the month of October through our Giving Back program, we are donating 10 cents of every shirt sold on InkToThePeople.com to Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF, but we've also created a series of Halloween themed shirts.</p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/trick-or-treat-unicef-tshirts-and-totes"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/trickortreat-for-unicef.png" alt="Trick or Treat for Unicef" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>If you buy one of our fun Halloween t-shirts or trick-or-treat tote bags (and dog t-shirts, too!), we'll donate $8.00 of each Halloween-themed item purchased to UNICEF. Wearing a shirt or carrying a tote filled with candy helps drive awareness for UNICEF's annual Trick-or-Treat program.</p> <p><strong>The Halloween t-shirts, tote bags and pet t-shirts are only available through October 10, 2014 to ensure you receive your order before trick-or-treating begins!</strong></p> <p>Here's how the funds for Trick-orTreat for UNICEF are used <em>(from their website)</em>:</p> <ul> <li>$1 - Gives a child 40 days of safe, clean drinking water.</li> <li>$5 - Feeds a malnourished childe for 5 days.</li> <li>$10 - Provides vaccinations for 280 children.</li> <li>$100 - Protects 100 kids from malaria.</li> <li>$500 - Installs a water pump to serve a whole village.</li> </ul> <p>Learn more about the Trick-or-Treat program and how you can do your part, <a href="http://www.unicefusa.org/mission/usa/trick-or-treat" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p><a class="extra-large-button-orange" title="Shop Fundraisers for UNICEF" href="http://inktothepeople.com/profile/active/1" target="_self">shop now</a></p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/profile/active/1"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/TOT4UNICEF_Shirts.png" alt="Trick-or-Treat for UNICEF t-shirts | Buy now" width="100%" /></a></p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$6,500.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:75 https://inktothepeople.com/breast-cancer-awareness-tshirt-ideas Breast Cancer Awareness Design Ideas <p><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration-breast-cancer-awareness/" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/BreastCancerAwarenessCollage.png" alt="Breast Cancer Awareness Month T-Shirt Design Inspiration" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>If you're among the millions that have had or been affected by Breast Cancer, you're most likely aware that October is Breast Cancer Awareness month.</p> <p>While there are plenty of walks, races, fundraisers and other events that help raise awareness and funds for a cure for Breast Cancer, perhaps you want to do just a little more.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration-breast-cancer-awareness/" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/RosieRibbon_Bag.png" alt="Rosie the Ribboner Tote Bag Design | Breast Cancer Awareness design ideas" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>If you're participating in a race, maybe you want your team to stand out with specially designed, customized shirts, or perhaps you simply want to do your part in raising money through an online crowdfunding effort. That's where we can help. Design and sell t-shirts, totes or other apparel to do your part to help eradicate Breast Cancer.</p> <p>We've put together design inspiration on our Pinterest board, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration-breast-cancer-awareness/" target="_blank"><strong>INKspiration: Breast Cancer Awareness</strong></a>, for ideas and inspiration for t-shirt, tank top, bib, onesie and pet apparel ideas.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration-breast-cancer-awareness/" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/BreastCancerInspiration.png" alt="Courage. Strength. Hope. Ideas for t-shirt design for breast cancer awareness month." width="100%" /></a></p> <p>Need help? Our designer and customer service are always just an <a href="mailto:hello@inktothepeople.com?subject=I%20need%20help%20with%20a%20t-shirt%20">email</a> or phone call (888-862-2775) away.&nbsp;</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:73 https://inktothepeople.com/designer-recruitment Calling all Designers: Design for Good <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/1200x628-designer-ads-6.jpg" alt="You are what you wear. Make it count. Join our Design for Good Program." width="100%" /></p> <p>We are honored to have helped raise over $1,450,000 for important charities by selling t-shirts. We're proud of what we've done but want to do much more and we need your help.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/DesignForGood_3Header.jpg" alt="Calling all designers and illustrators who want to do good by designing for good. Make your creativity count." width="100%" /></p> <p>We're looking for designers and illustrators who are great at what they do, have a cause (or several) that's close to their heart and interested in making a difference with us.</p> <h3>Here's how our Design for Good program works:</h3> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Number1_white.jpg" alt="Design for good program. Create designs and illustrations for good causes." width="60" height="60" /></p> <p><strong>You choose a non-profit category you're passionate about.</strong> Maybe you care about women's health, the environment or animal welfare. We want you to care so your design reflects your passion.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Number2_white.jpg" alt="Design for Good Program. How it works." width="60" height="60" /></p> <p><strong>Then you design a t-shirt that "speaks" to that category.</strong> You're not restricted by brand guidelines and won't be held back by having to incorporate logos. You get to be as creative as you can be while designing a killer concept that will support fundraising for a non-profit category of your choice.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Number3_white.jpg" alt="Design for Good Program: Create design and illustrations for t-shirts for a cause important to you." width="60" height="60" /></p> <p><strong>Next you submit your design</strong> and upon completion of registration and approval of each unique design, Ink to the People will advance you $50 against royalties on future sales. Ink reserves the right to your design for 6 months upon approval. There's no restriction to the number of designs you can submit, but we can't guarantee all of them will be approved.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Number4_white.jpg" alt="" width="60" height="60" /></p> <p><strong>Finally, we post the shirt for sale</strong> in our soon-to-be re-launched e-commerce retail store. You'll be paid $1.00 per shirt sold beyond the first 50.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/BrightIdeas.jpg" alt="Got a bright idea for a cause or charity related t-shirt? Calling all designers and illustrators." width="50%" /></p> <p>You will also be able to create a profile on our site telling site visitors all about you and your interests. This page will showcase all of your current designs for sale and you can even link to a personal site to help build up a fan-base.</p> <p>If this sounds interesting to you or a designer or illustrator you know, we'd love to hear from you. <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/design-for-good">Submit your work on this page</a> and we'll be in touch!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:72 https://inktothepeople.com/stop-bullying Design for Good: Stop Bullying <p>While most kids aren&rsquo;t exactly thrilled to be going back to homework, tests and sitting in class as the school year starts, for some kids the biggest fears lie in the hallways or on social media where other kids are harassing them. With more exposure on the topic, parents and kids are more aware of the issue but bullying is still happening much too frequently.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/stopbullying_inspiration.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>Whether you&rsquo;re a parent, sibling, teacher or entire school that has had to deal with bullying issues, there are plenty of organizations out there that can provide resources and tools to help work through the problems.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration-safe-schools/" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/StopBullying_KindTShirt.jpg" alt="Design Inspiration for ideas to Stop Bullying" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>Rallying together to raise money for an organization that helps create safe school environments is a great reason to <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/design-tool" target="_blank">design a t-shirt</a> and rally together as a team. The design could even be a school project!</p> <p>Need some idea starters? Take a look at our Safe Schools <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration-safe-schools/" target="_blank">Pinterest Board</a> for inspiration. If you need additional design help, we&rsquo;re here for you - give us a shout (888-862-2775) or drop a <a href="mailto:hello@inktothepeople.com?subject=Design%20Help%20">note</a>. We can even suggest a few great anti-bullying organizations with which to work.</p> <p><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration-safe-schools/" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/stopbullying_design1.jpg" alt="Just the way you are | design inspiration to help stop bullying tshirts" width="100%" /></a></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:71 https://inktothepeople.com/milwaukee-film-festival-2014-advanced-style Milwaukee Film Festival 2014: Advanced Style <p>We are proud to be a part of this year's <a href="http://mkefilm.org/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Film Festival</a> as a Community Partner. We are sponsoring the film, <a href="http://advancedstylefilm.com/" target="_blank">Advanced Style</a>, which explores the fashion sense of 7 memorable women between ages 62-95. Fashion and creativity takes form at any age and we're excited to be showcasing this film!</p> <p>Watch the trailer:</p> <div class="video-container-16x9"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-baPw-bE_Ec" width="735" height="413" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> <p>And here's a little bit more about the film:</p> <p>(USA / 2014 / Lina Plioplyte)</p> <p>Following seven memorable women whose fashion sense is as advanced as their age, Lina Plioplyte captures these woment (with ages ranging from 62-95) in all of their eclectic glory. Each segment bursts with color and style to spare, capturing the independent spirit embodied by women who refuse to abide by our cultural standards of aging and beauty, remaining vital while challenging preconceived notions with each remarkable ensemble. Culled from New York street photographer Ari Seth Cohen's blog of the same name. Advanced Style is an exercise in self-expression, proving that growing old doesn't have to mean growing dull.</p> <p>If you're in the Milwaukee area, you can see the documentary during the film festival on the following dates and times:</p> <ul> <li>Sunday, October 5 at 4:00 PM at Landmark Oriental Theatre</li> <li>Tuesday, October 7 at 7:00 PM at Fox-Bay Theater.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://advancedstylefilm.com/" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Advanced_Style_Film_Dogwoof_Documentary_600.jpg" alt="Advanced Style for Milwaukee Film Festival 2014 | Community Partner" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>If you are not in our area, check out the <a href="http://advancedstylefilm.com/" target="_blank">Advanced Style Film website </a>for screening information near you.</p> <p><strong>About the Milwaukee Film and the Festival:</strong></p> <p><strong>Mission:</strong> Film can entertain, educate, and empower. It can bring change on levels both intimate and epic. And it's at its best as a communal viewing experience, with the best possible sound and projection. As a nonprofit cultural institution, Milwaukee Film has made it their mission to communicate all of this to the city they love, in a way that is both true and unique to Milwaukee.</p> <p><strong>Vision:</strong> To create a film festival in Milwaukee that is locally beloved, internationally acclaimed, and a true forum for Milwaukee Film's diverse community; to offer year-round education programs for all ages, teaching the role and power of film in the modern media landscape; to provide strategic support to filmmakers and projects; and to do our part to make better the city that has made them better.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:69 https://inktothepeople.com/september-2014-giving-back-safe-schools-for-all Giving Back Program: September 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: Supporting Anti-Bullying &amp; Safe Schools for LGBT Youth</h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/support-gay-straight-alliances-stop-bullying#"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/accept-respect-3-800x320.jpg" alt="Giving Back to a top organization that works to provide safe schools for all students - Gay or Straight." width="100%" /></a></p> <p>The start of another school year isn't necessarily a highly anticipated event for many students, especially for those that may be considered different by their peers because of their sexual orientation.</p> <p>This month, we're giving back to an organization that works hard to ensure a safe and supportive school environment for all students whether they're gay or straight. We've designed a limited edition t-shirt, that will go on sale next week, to help support one of the top organizations dedicated to creating a safe and supportive environment for all students.</p> <p>While in recent years there has been a slight decline in hateful language, bullying and lgbt victimization, overall harrassment remains high.</p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/support-gay-straight-alliances-stop-bullying#"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/accept-respect.png" alt="Accept and Respect t-shirt to support anti-bullying for all students - gay or straight." width="50%" /></a></p> <p>Here are a few key findings from <a href="http://goo.gl/PZNjHp" target="_blank">one in-depth study</a>:</p> <ul> <li>6 in 10 LGBT students reported feeling unsafe at a school because of their sexual orientation; 4 in 10 reported feeling unsafe at a school because of how they expressed their gender.</li> <li>Sexual orientation and gender expression were the most common reasons LGBT students were harassed or assaulted at school.</li> <li>LGBT students reported most commonly avoiding school bathrooms and locker rooms because they felt unsafe or uncomfortable in those spaces.</li> <li>Less than half of LGBT students attended a school that had a Gay-Straight Alliance (GSA) or similar student clubs that addressed LGBT issues in education.</li> </ul> <p>Proceeds of our limited edition t-shirt sale will go to the leading national education organization focused on ensuring safe schools for all students. They are dedicated to ensuring that every member of every school community is valued, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. This organization works hard to ensure that LGBT students are free from bullying and harassment and have the support they need to safely learn and grow.</p> <p><strong>Help us as we support the fight to stop bullying. Our exclusive t-shirt will go on sale on Friday, September 12th.</strong></p> <p><strong><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/support-gay-straight-alliances-stop-bullying#">Sign up</a> to receive a reminder email when the t-shirt goes on sale.</strong></p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$6,000.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:68 https://inktothepeople.com/infographic-more-than-just-a-t-shirt More Than Just a T-Shirt... <p>We're here to help you make a difference. The t-shirts sold on Ink to the People mean more than just a t-shirt sale - they mean support for sick or injured friends and family, rescue animals and shelters and a slew of other causes that are close to your heart.</p> <p>We've created an <a href="http://storage.inktothepeople.com/files/infographic_raisedbyusers.jpg" target="_blank">infographic</a> to help illustrate just what the money raised by our t-shirt sellers means to their communities and supporters. Take a look!</p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/how-it-works" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/infographic_raisedbyusers.jpg" alt="Infographic | More than just a t-shirt by InktothePeople.com" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>We're honored to work with the countless people who have contributed to helping others and making a difference, one t-shirt at a time.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:67 https://inktothepeople.com/back-to-school-they-go Back to School They Go! <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Back_to_School_Tshirts.jpg" alt="The World is our Classroom | Back to School Inspiration" width="100%" /></p> <p>As the days of summer dwindle and parents gear up (and can&rsquo;t wait?) for the kids to head back to school, it seems that fundraising for a variety of school related needs always seem to follow close behind.</p> <p>No matter the age - elementary, middle school or high school - there&rsquo;s always a need to raise funds. Instead of some of the standard school fundraiser options such as wrapping paper or subscription sales, food sales or car washes, a t-shirt and apparel sale is a creative alternative for raising dollars for school needs.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/BacktoSchool_TShirts_2.jpg" alt="Back to School T-Shirt Ideas and Inspiration" width="100%" /></p> <p>Need some idea starters? Here are just a few ways in which schools can use a t-shirt sale to raise funds:</p> <ol> <li><strong>Class, Team and Club T-Shirts</strong> - Raise money for a class trip, for new sports or band equipment, to pay for an entry fee in a competition or cover costs for a drama production, and more.</li> <li><strong>School Fundraisers</strong> - An all-school fundraiser to help keep overall school costs down.</li> <li><strong>Class Projects</strong> - Whether the art class is working on a graphic design or apparel segment or the economics class is learning about supply, demand and marketing, there are plenty of lessons to be learned from a t-shirt sale project.</li> <li><strong>Field Trips</strong> - Raise funds to cover the cost of a trip, or simply have all the kids wear the same shirt or sweatshirt so that chaperones know who is in the group at the next field trip to the zoo.</li> <li><strong>Doing Good</strong> - Perhaps your child decides to raise money to help an organization or a person in need as part of a project, or a fellow student or their family is going through a tough time.</li> </ol> <p>How would a t-shirt sale help raise funds for your school community? We&rsquo;d love to see your designs and see how you rally your school. And remember to share your sale with your community - the more people that know about it, the more you&rsquo;ll succeed!</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/shutterstock_175357610.jpg" alt="It's Back to School They Go" width="100%" /></p> <p>Find more inspiration on Ink to the People's <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration-school-days/" target="_blank">School Days</a> Pinterest Board.</p> <p>Need help? We&rsquo;re here to help your sale succeed. Give us a call (888-862-2775) or send us an <a href="mailto:hello@inktothepeople.com?subject=%5BBlog%5D%20T-Shirt%20Information%20Request">email</a> to learn more and to have your questions answered.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:66 https://inktothepeople.com/august-2014-giving-back-the-boys-girls-club-of-greater-milwaukee Giving Back Program: August 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: The Boys &amp; Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee</h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><a href="http://www.boysgirlsclubs.org/default.aspx" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/GivingBack_Boys-and-Girls-Club.jpg" alt="Giving Back Program | August recipient is the Boys &amp; Girls Club of Greater Milwuakee" width="66%" /></a></p> <p>As we enter August and savor the last days of summer before the kids go back to school, we're giving back to the Boys &amp; Girls Club of Greater Milwaukee.</p> <p><strong>Here's a little bit about the Boys &amp; Girls Club:</strong></p> <p>Children have been coming to the Boys &amp; Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee since 1887, when Annabell Cook Whitcomb transformed two basement rooms at Plymouth Church in downtown Milwaukee into a Club for boys.</p> <p>Today, they are the oldest and largest youth-serving agency in the city. Everyday, thousands of Milwaukee's most disadvantaged youth stream through their doors and meet positive role models, feel safe and secure, and participate in life-changing programming.</p> <p>Their mission is simple: to inspire and empower all young people, especially those who need them most, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens.</p> <p>For more information about the organization, please visit <a href="http://www.boysgirlsclubs.org/" target="_blank">boysgirlsclubs.org</a>.</p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$5,500.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:65 https://inktothepeople.com/wisconsin-humane-society-leaves-its-pawprint Wisconsin Humane Society Left a Pawprint <p>In May, the <a href="http://www.wihumane.org/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Humane Society</a> ran a t-shirt campaign to raise money to support their organization. Their campaign raised $3,199 with the sale of 237 shirts which far exceeded their expectations of their 15 t-shirt goal.</p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/design-tool" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/WHSsuccess-stories-1000x1000.jpg" alt="Wisconsin Humane Society's T-Shirt Campaign Raised $3,199" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>But what does that mean to them? The funds raised through the t-shirt sale will supply microchips to over 255 animals at the Wisconsin Human Society shelter and will pay for 30 spay or neuter surgeries for both dogs and cats. All animals in their adoption program are spayed or neutered and receive microchips with their new owner's information when they're adopted.</p> <p>How did they do it?</p> <ul> <li>We worked together on creating a great looking t-shirt design that spoke to their pet adoption audience.</li> <li>Wisconsin Humane Society then consistently engaged their Facebook fans, Twitter followers and community members throughout the span of the t-shirt campaign.</li> <li>They followed up the campaign with photos and posts of the t-shirt in production and on buyers.</li> </ul> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Instagram_WHS.jpg" alt="The Road to Happiness is Paved with Pawprints T-Shirt Design | Wisconsin Humane Society" width="100%" /></p> <p>Need help with your design or campaign? We're here to help. Get in touch via <a href="mailto:service@inktothepeople.com?subject=I%27m%20looking%20for%20assistance%20to%20succeed%20with%20my%20campaign" target="_blank">email</a> or by giving us a call (888-862-2775).</p> <script src="//s3.amazonaws.com/downloads.mailchimp.com/js/mc-validate.js"></script> <script>// <![CDATA[ (function($) {window.fnames = new Array(); window.ftypes = new Array();fnames[0]='EMAIL';ftypes[0]='email';fnames[1]='FNAME';ftypes[1]='text';fnames[2]='LNAME';ftypes[2]='text';}(jQuery));var $mcj = jQuery.noConflict(true); // ]]></script> <!--End mc_embed_signup--> urn:store:1:blog:post:64 https://inktothepeople.com/5-tips-for-t-shirt-sale-success 5 Tips for T-Shirt Sale Success <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/happy-people-supporting-tshirt-fundraiser.jpg" alt="5 Tips for T-Shirt Sale Fundraising Success" width="100%" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>Asking supporters for money can often be difficult and awkward, but you'd be surprised how generous your community will be if you bring them along on your journey. Follow these tips to help your <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/fundraising-t-shirts">t-shirt campaign</a>&nbsp;see even more success!</p> <p><img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bca406400a84c422e68120ca0/images/867cb7c7-7d38-4f3d-a554-c10ee36a0d5d.jpg" alt="Success Tip for T-Shirt Sales Number 1 " /></p> <p><strong>Tell the story behind the shirt.</strong> Why are you raising money? Write a description for the shirt, right on the sale page, as well as post it to social media, or even create a dedicated Facebook page or group as your hub for communication.</p> <p><img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bca406400a84c422e68120ca0/images/73aa92e9-cbbc-4432-9882-d21ebcd50619.jpg" alt="Success Tip for T-Shirt Sales Number 2" /></p> <p><strong>Be the first to buy.</strong> If you don't stand behind your design or cause, can you expect others to do the same?</p> <p><img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bca406400a84c422e68120ca0/images/4788e7bf-cb89-4d06-9a99-205a43a6f82a.jpg" alt="Success Tip for T-Shirt Sales Number 3" /></p> <p><strong>Don't just share it once.</strong> Keep your community (online, email, etc.) informed as your fundraising progresses. Take them along on your journey.</p> <p><img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bca406400a84c422e68120ca0/images/84f46389-62dc-47e7-bb53-ea15b200284b.jpg" alt="Success Tip for T-Shirt Sales Number 4" /></p> <p><strong>Thank your buyers.</strong> Be it in person, through a social media post or in an email. Recognize their generosity.</p> <p><img src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/bca406400a84c422e68120ca0/images/263faa95-2468-47d1-b77b-25b21437bcfe.jpg" alt="Success Tip for T-Shirt Sales Number 5" /></p> <p><strong>Show off the shirt once you receive it</strong> and encourage your buyers to do the same through sharing photos of themselves wearing the t-shirt on social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. This will help create even more visibility and awareness for your cause.</p> <p>There are plenty of great ways to take your buyers along on your journey. We&rsquo;ll continue to share tips along the way. If you&rsquo;d like them sent directly to you, subscribe to our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/InktothePeople/app_100265896690345" target="_blank">email newsletter</a>!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:63 https://inktothepeople.com/july-2014-giving-back-urban-ecology-center Giving Back Program: July 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: The Urban Ecology Center</h1> <p><strong style="color: #ff0000;"><em>Update: The numbers are in. We have raised $500.00 for Urban Ecology Center!</em></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.urbanecologycenter.org" target="_blank"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/UrbanEcologyCenter_GivingBack.jpg" alt="The Urban Ecology Center is our Giving Back Program recipient for July" width="50%" /></a></p> <p>July, among other important causes, celebrates our Country&rsquo;s National Parks and Recreation so in honor of that, we are giving back to the Urban Ecology Center.</p> <p><em>From the Urban Ecology Center&rsquo;s website:</em></p> <p>At the Urban Ecology Center&rsquo;s three locations the wonders of nature bring curious people together. Our programs bring our city&rsquo;s children and families into nature and as a result our urban parks are safe to visit, our kids are learning what they need to know to succeed, and adults keep on learning about how our changing world around us works.</p> <p>The Urban Ecology Center provides year-round educational programs for kids, families and adults of all ages. The cornerstone program is the Neighborhood Environmental Education Project serving kids in more than 44 urban Milwaukee schools each year. This program enables students to get to walk in the woods, stand in a river in hip waders or run along the beach at Lake Michigan when they might have no other opportunities to do so.</p> <p>The school program is complemented by after school programs, summer camps and weekend activities designed to involve, inspire, educate and connect kids to each other, to caring mentors and to the natural world.</p> <p>Additionally, children and families can participate in:</p> <ul> <li>Urban Adventures</li> <li>Weekend youth and family programs</li> <li>High School Outdoor Leaders</li> <li>Adult summer internship programs</li> <li>Citizen Science research projects</li> <li>Volunteer activities</li> </ul> <p>We are honored to help support the Urban Ecology Center.</p> <p>For more information about the organization, please visit <a href="http://www.urbanecologycenter.org/" target="_blank">urbanecologycenter.org</a>.</p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$5,000.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:62 https://inktothepeople.com/t-shirt-fundraiser-tips-2 T-Shirt Fundraiser Tips <p>You have a cause. You have an audience. You have decided to do some good. Now what? We&rsquo;ve created this handy guide with tips on creating and sharing your <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/fundraising-t-shirts">t-shirt campaign</a>&nbsp;- all designed to help your fundraiser succeed. And, as always, we&rsquo;re here for you! If you have questions about anything, please <a href="/contact">contact us</a>!</p> <h2>Starting a campaign</h2> <h4>Choose a cause that others can get behind.</h4> <p>People love to support causes, especially when they are passionate about it too. Having an audience will help spread the word.</p> <h4>Create an attractive design.</h4> <p>Your t-shirt design should relate to your cause and be something people will be proud to wear. You can upload your own design or customize one of our many templates. If you still have a creative block, <a href="/contact">contact us</a> and we can create a design for you.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/starting-a-tshirt-fundraiser.png" alt="Starting your t-shirt fundraiser" width="100%" /></p> <h4>Select an appropriate garment.</h4> <p>Most t-shirt campaigns do better if the garment is a basic fit and available in all sizes (Youth, Ladies and Adult). We recommend the <a href="/products/item/gildan-2000-ultra-cotton-t-shirt?categoryid=2">Gildan 2000 Ultra Cotton T-shirt</a>.</p> <h4>Keep it affordable.</h4> <p>While people might be willing to pay a little more, knowing that the funds are going to a good cause, keep your price reasonable. People expect to pay about $20-$30 for a shirt at a retail store. Keep your price in that ballpark and you will be on the mark. To minimize the base cost, use a basic style t-shirt, only use 1 color in your art and only decorate the front.</p> <h4>Set a reasonable goal.</h4> <p>Inspire your audience with an attainable goal. Keep in mind that the t-shirt campaign needs to reach that goal in order to be printed, so be realistic. We have found that many campaigns find their success at about 25-50 orders. The base cost per shirt actually decreases as your sales continue to increase. Say your goal is 25 shirts and you end up selling 100, you will receive the cost at 100 shirts, which means more funds for your cause.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/set-your-tshirt-fundraising-goals.png" alt="Setting your t-shirt fundraiser goals" width="100%" /></p> <h4>Set a reasonable duration.</h4> <p>Give your supporters time to order, but not too much; typically, 7-14 days is best. However, if your t-shirt revolves around an event, make sure that your supporters will receive their order before that day comes. Allow 2 weeks after the campaign closes for delivery. If your event is less than 2 weeks away, <a href="/contact">contact us</a> and we&rsquo;ll work together to see if we can figure something out.</p> <h4>Tell your story.</h4> <p>Explain why you are running this t-shirt campaign and what you will do with the funds raised. Tell people how their support will make a difference. This can be done in the Description section of your campaign.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Running the campaign</h2> <h4>Hit the ground running.</h4> <p>Buying the first t-shirt shows that you believe in your cause and encourages others to jump on board. Use this as an opportunity to tell people about your purchase, and how excited you are about your fundraiser.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/purchasing-from-your-tshirt-fundraiser.png" alt="Purchasing from your t-shirt fundraiser" width="100%" /></p> <h4>Reach your audience.</h4> <p>Use social media and email to let people know about your t-shirt campaign. Tell them why you started the campaign, and what you&rsquo;d like them to do (support the cause by placing an order, or share with their network to help spread the word, or both!).</p> <h4>Share your t-shirt campaign for free.</h4> <p>Here are some ways to get the word out that won&rsquo;t cost you a pretty penny. Throughout your campaign, be sincere, open and honest.</p> <ul> <li><strong>Email:</strong> The best way to tell your story and get support is to email your friends and family, directly. People can also help by forwarding your message onto others.</li> <li><strong>Facebook:</strong> Post directly to Facebook from your campaign page. Post on relevant Facebook groups, fan pages and organization pages.</li> <li><strong>Facebook Events:</strong> Creating and inviting your friends to a free Events page is a great way to create a communication hub for your campaign. There, you can post pictures of your design, post links to your Ink to the People campaign and keep your supporters up to date on your fundraising progress. Encourage others to participate and invite more friends. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/help/131325477007622/">Learn more</a>.</li> <li><strong>Twitter:</strong> Tweet pictures of your design. Tell your followers about it, and link back to your campaign page. Use relevant hashtags including #TshirtsForGood.</li> <li><strong>YouTube:</strong> Post a video of you telling your story and why you started a campaign. Post it on Facebook, too. Be sure to post a link to your campaign page on your video page so people can easily contribute.</li> <li><strong>Instagram:</strong> Post your shirt while it&rsquo;s for sale. Post photos of you and your supporters wearing your t-shirt. Use relevant hashtags including #TshirtsForGood.</li> </ul> <p>Don&rsquo;t forget about:</p> <ul> <li>Pinterest</li> <li>Blogs</li> <li>Tumblr</li> <li>Google+ and more.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Let Us Know:</strong> We want to see your campaign succeed. Mention Ink to the People in your posts, and chances are we&rsquo;ll help you spread the word through our own Social Media networks. Find us at:</p> <ul> <li>Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/InktothePeople">Facebook.com/InktothePeople</a></li> <li>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/#!/inktothepeople">@inktothepeople</a></li> <li>Instagram: <a href="http://instagram.com/inktothepeopledotcom/">@inktothepeopledotcom</a></li> <li>Pinterest: <a href="http://pinterest.com/inktothepeople/">Pinterest.com/InktothePeople</a></li> </ul> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/sharing-your-tshirt-fundraiser.png" alt="Sharing your t-shirt fundraiser is easy" width="100%" /></p> <h4>Be persistent.</h4> <p>Post on your Social Media channels more than once, throughout the duration of the fundraiser. Posting 3-4 times per week on Facebook, and daily on Twitter will keep your campaign in the minds of your community. Be considerate. Posting too much will annoy your audience. If they have contributed, thank them right away.</p> <p><strong>Things to talk about:</strong></p> <ul> <li>What does the cause mean to you?</li> <li>How will their support help the cause?</li> <li>Remind them that you need to meet your goal, otherwise the orders are cancelled.</li> <li>Follow up with your group, ask for their support.</li> <li>Announce when you hit your goal, or perhaps when you need 1 more sale.</li> <li>Let people know that the fundraiser is closing soon and that it is their last chance to order.</li> </ul> <h4>Be available.</h4> <p>Reply to questions and comments. If someone reaches out, make sure you answer. DO NOT ignore people. If it is something only we can answer, please let us know and we will get back to you.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/your-tshirt-fundraiser-campaign-page.png" alt="Your t-shirt fundraiser campaign page" width="100%" /></p> <h4>Generate urgency.</h4> <p>It&rsquo;s the home stretch. The final push. A couple days before the campaign ends, remind your audience that time is running out. Reach out to your network and ask for their support with a purchase or a share.</p> <h4>Finish strong.</h4> <p>This is your big moment. It&rsquo;s exciting. On the last day of the campaign, tell your network that it is their last chance to purchase. Post a few times on Facebook and keep your audience up to date on the status of your fundraiser.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>After the campaign</h2> <h4>Announce the totals.</h4> <p>Tell your supporters how much your campaign raised for the cause. Remind them how that will make a difference. Let them know that we are now producing the items and that they will be delivered in about 10-14 days. They will receive an email with tracking info when we ship them out.</p> <h4>Thank your supporters.</h4> <p>A kind word means a lot, so show your gratitude to the people who stepped up and supported your cause. They will appreciate your sincerity.</p> <h4>Receive your funds.</h4> <p>Pending any returns or cancellations, funds are sent out about 3 weeks after the t-shirt campaign closes.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/happy-people-supporting-tshirt-fundraiser.jpg" alt="Happy people supporting a t-shirt fundraiser" width="100%" /></p> <h4>No, thank <em>YOU</em>.</h4> <p>We know you have a choice in who you use for your t-shirt needs and we are honored that you chose to use Ink to the People for your fundraiser. If you have any questions, feel free to <a href="/contact">contact us</a> or check out our <a href="/page/faq">FAQ&rsquo;s</a>. And we&rsquo;d love to hear your story and learn about your cause, so please send us pictures, notes and more!</p> <p><a href="http://storage.inktothepeople.com/files/steps-to-a-successful-t-shirt-fundraiser.pdf"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/pdf-download_1.gif" alt="Download Steps to a Successful T-Shirt Fundraiser as a pdf" width="33" height="34" /> Download</a> this t-shirt fundraiser guide.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:61 https://inktothepeople.com/june-2014-giving-back-pride-month Giving Back Program: June 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">Happy Pride Month!&nbsp;</h1> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/pride-state-of-mind-ny_1.jpg" alt="Pride is a state of mind | Ink to the People gives back" width="100%" /></p> <p><strong style="color: #ff0000;"><em>Update: The numbers are in. We have raised over $575.00 for various Pride Organizations!</em></strong></p> <p>This month, for our <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/blog/ink-to-the-people/2013-09/giving-back-program-announcement">Giving Back</a> program, we&rsquo;re doing things slightly different. We wanted to salute and support the LGBT community during the month of celebrating, history and raising awareness for <a href="http://www.loc.gov/lgbt/about.html" target="_blank">LGBT Pride</a>. With that, we&rsquo;ve designed city-specific t-shirts for you to wear and share in your community.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/UnitedState_PrideShirts_1.jpg" alt="Ink to the People gives back in support of Gay LGBT Pride " width="100%" /></p> <p>We&rsquo;ll be giving back $8 from the sale of each city-specific t-shirt to that town&rsquo;s Gay Pride chapter.</p> <p>We&rsquo;ve designed a slew of &lsquo;State of Mind&rsquo; t-shirts! Follow the links to order your city (or state if you&rsquo;re in Alaska):</p> <table style="width: 100%;" border="0" cellspacing="1" cellpadding="1" align="center"> <tbody> <tr> <td>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30302" target="_blank">Alaska</a></td> <td>(Minneapolis-St. Paul)&nbsp;<a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30275" target="_blank">Twin Cities</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30254" target="_blank">Atlanta</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30251" target="_blank">Nashville</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30247" target="_blank">Austin</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30260">New Orleans</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30250">Boston</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30258" target="_blank">New York</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30271">Chicago</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30261" target="_blank">Oakland</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30273">Cleveland</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30262" target="_blank">Orlando</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30253" target="_blank">Denver</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30264" target="_top">Philadelphia</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td>(Detroit)&nbsp;<a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30276" target="_blank">Motor City</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30263" target="_top">Phoenix</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30252" target="_blank">Ft Lauderdale</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30265" target="_blank">Pittsburgh</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30277" target="_blank">Houston</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30266" target="_blank">Portland</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30255" target="_blank">Key West</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30268" target="_blank">St. Louis</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30257" target="_blank">Las Vegas</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30249" target="_blank">St. Pete</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30256" target="_blank">Long Beach</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30244" target="_blank">Seattle</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30259" target="_blank">Los Angeles</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30272" target="_blank">San Diego</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30269" target="_blank">Madison</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30267" target="_blank">San Francisco</a></td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30274" target="_blank">Miami Beach</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30248" target="_blank">Toronto</a>&nbsp;(we like Canada, too!)</td> </tr> <tr> <td>&nbsp;</td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30246" target="_blank">Milwaukee</a></td> <td><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30270" target="_blank">Washington D.C.</a></td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30290" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/UnitedState_PrideFlag.jpg" alt="" width="33%" /></a></p> <p>Not from any of these towns? Fear not, we&rsquo;ve also got a <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/private-marketplace/ink-detail/30290" target="_blank">t-shirt</a> for you, too...</p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$4,500.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:60 https://inktothepeople.com/stand-out-in-the-crowd Stand Out in the Crowd <p>As the kids finish up school and look forward to a summer of fun, parents are often scrambling to find ways to keep the kids entertained and occupied.</p> <p>Day camps, sports camps or other organized activities and field trips are a great way to keep the little ones engaged, learning and having fun, while you&rsquo;re at work or taking a break for yourself.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Zoo-Field-Trip-Matching-t-shirts.jpg" alt="Kids Summer Activities - Zoo Field Trip " width="100%" /></p> <p>While the kids are off on their adventures, a great way activity chaperones can keep track of the kids is by having them wear matching t-shirts. Whether in a bright color like red or yellow (or even tie-dye!), it&rsquo;s much easier to pick the kids out of the crowd when at a busy place like the zoo, fair, museum or park. For activities like soccer or other sports camps, active wear tech shirts are also available in kids sizes.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/SummerFun_MatchingTshirts_Ink-to-the-People.jpg" alt="Matching T-Shirt Ideas for kids Summer activities" width="100%" /></p> <p>Matching t-shirts are also a great way to keep track of kids at a birthday party outing.</p> <p>Either way, you can have fun designing summer shirts for kids&rsquo; activities to add a little creativity and fun.</p> <p>Have the kids help you design them!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:59 https://inktothepeople.com/pets-like-t-shirts-too Pets Like T-Shirts, Too <p>This past weekend we had the joy and pleasure of participating in our local <a href="http://www.wihumane.org/" target="_blank">Wisconsin Humane Society's</a> Tails on the Trail Walk where we met many new four legged friends and told them about what we do.</p> <p>There are so many reasons to fundraise for a good cause including raising awareness for pet adoption, fostering dogs and cats, animal abuse prevention as well as many more.</p> <p>Whether it&rsquo;s creating a t-shirt for a specific event like a walk to raise awareness for dog or cat adoption, or simply designing a t-shirt to sell and help raise funds for your pet or animal related organization, we&rsquo;re here to help you reach your campaign goals.</p> <p>What&rsquo;s more? Pets love t-shirts, too! If you bring home a new puppy and are teaching them to sleep in their kennel - leave your worn t-shirt in there with them. They&rsquo;ll appreciate your scent, close by and will help comfort them.</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Tail-on-the-Trails-TShirt-Ink-to-the-People.jpg" alt="The Road to Happiness is Paved with Pawprints. Wisconsin Humane Society" width="66%" /></p> <p>Another way your t-shirt can become your dog or cat&rsquo;s best friend? Upcycle it into a pet tent! We found a great DIY Cat Tent on Instructables and being the t-shirt and pet lovers that we are, had to share. <a href="http://www.instructables.com/id/DIY-cat-tent/" target="_blank">Follow this link</a> for instructions on creating a cat tent.</p> <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Cat-TShirt-Tent-DIY.jpg" alt="" width="66%" /></p> <p>Whatever the reason you need a t-shirt, you can get started on your design, <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/design-tool" target="_blank">here</a>!</p> <p>PSSST!... If you&rsquo;re a non-profit and interested in partnering with us for our giving back program, give us a holler! Every month we partner with a non-profit organization and donate 5% of every t-shirt sold on the site to that cause. <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/partnerships" target="_blank">Learn more</a> or <a href="mailto:hello@inktothepeople.com?subject=Partners for Good Information Request" target="_blank">get in touch</a>.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:58 https://inktothepeople.com/baseball-t-shirts-for-the-win Baseball T-Shirts for the Win! <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Baseball-Tailgate-Fundraising-Ideas.jpg" alt="Baseball T-Shirt Fundraising and Tailgating Ideas" width="33%" /></p> <p>Baseball season is in full swing and as the weather continues to warm, there will be plenty of reasons to catch a game, fire up the grill for tailgating and getting together with friends.</p> <p>There are a lot of excuses for throwing a fun tailgate party - whether you&rsquo;re reuniting with your closest college friends, your family throws one annually as a reunion, or even throwing a charity fundraising tailgate.</p> <p>Whether you're raising funds for a non-profit charity that is close to your heart, or for a friend or family member in need of a little help or support, you can make the party a little more memorable and special, and unify your group, by designing a t-shirt for the party. (pssst - it can also help you raise extra funds for the charity!)</p> <p>You might even wrap the entire fee into the t-shirt purchase. For example:</p> <p>"$30 gets you your t-shirt plus free beer and brats at the tailgate! All proceeds will go towards the ALS Association&rsquo;s Greater Philadelphia Chapter! Wear your shirt to the tailgate and find us at Lot D, look for the big red bus!"</p> <p>BUT - if you're not planning a big tailgate party, here are a few other ideas for designing a fun baseball t-shirt for the summer (raglan, or other jersey or sport styles):</p> <ul> <li>Your son's or daughter's little league team needs team shirts</li> <li>Your social softball league needs team shirts</li> <li>You've designed your own fan art for your favorite baseball team (make sure it's an original design!)</li> <li>You throw a baseball themed party (birthday or otherwise!)</li> </ul> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Baseball-Tshirts.jpg" alt="Baseball T-Shirt Design Ideas" width="100%" /></p> <p>Whatever the reason - have fun designing! You can find more inspiration on our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> boards. Need help with anything? You can always call (888-862-2775) or <a href="mailto:service@inktothepeople.com?subject=Assistance%20with%20T-Shirts">email</a>.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:57 https://inktothepeople.com/giving-back-program-may-2014 Giving Back Program: May 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: The ALS Association - Greater Philadelphia Chapter</h1> <p><em>Update: The numbers are in. We have raised $500.00 for ALS Association!</em></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/ALS_Walk.jpg" alt="Wonderful people participating in an ALS Walk for a Cure" width="100%" /></p> <p>May, among other important causes, is ALS Awareness Month.</p> <p><em>From the ALS Association website</em></p> <p>Every 90 minutes someone is diagnosed with ALS, or Lou Gehrig&rsquo;s Disease, a devastating neuromuscular disease for which there is no effective treatment or cure.</p> <p>Every day the ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter provides help for today and hope for tomorrow for ALS patients, their families, and caregivers living in the eastern half of Pennsylvania, southern New Jersey, and Delaware. Help for today includes a multitude of programs provided at no charge, such as ALS multidisciplinary clinics, in-home care programs, and medical equipment loans. Hope for tomorrow includes global research that is improving the understanding of ALS, developing new support systems for patients and working to find treatments and a cure.</p> <p>The mission of The ALS Association Greater Philadelphia Chapter, is to lead the fight to treat and cure ALS through global research and nationwide advocacy while also empowering people with Lou Gehrig's Disease and their families to live fuller lives by providing them with compassionate care and support.</p> <p>We are honored to help support ALS Awareness.</p> <p>For more information on The ALS Association, please visit <a href="http://www.alsphiladelphia.org/" target="_blank">alsphiladelphia.org</a>.</p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$3936.30</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:56 https://inktothepeople.com/crowdfund-for-good Crowdfund for Good <h1 style="text-align: center;">Thanks for contributing, guys!</h1> <p>Chris Dobens and Nick Reynolds, creators of the original Boston Strong t-shirt phrase, made this video for Ink to the People. In it, they explain their process of fundraising through t-shirt sales and encourage you to do the same.</p> <p>Watch the quick video!</p> <div class="video-container-16x9"><iframe src="//www.youtube.com/embed/GP1GT8bO63k" width="735" height="413" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></div> urn:store:1:blog:post:55 https://inktothepeople.com/forced-family-fun-with-flair Forced Family Fun with Flair <p>Summer is the season for family reunions. Whether it&rsquo;s an annual event or your family meets every few years, reunions are a great way (for most of the family) to catch up and reconnect. If you&rsquo;re like some of our families at Ink to the People, there might also be a little friendly competition to help keep sisters, brothers, cousins on their toes.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/family-reunion.jpg" alt="People having fun at a family reunion" width="100%" /></p> <p>What better way to come together, have some fun and bond with your relatives than over a game of capture the flag or &ldquo;Reunion Olympics&rdquo;? Mix your extended family into teams (or each family is a team?) and let the games begin! Here&rsquo;s a little inspiration for changing the game at your next family reunion:</p> <ul> <li>A big game of Capture the Flag.</li> <li>Reunion Olympic Games that might include opening ceremonies, eating contests, 2-legged races, canoe races, egg and spoon competition, water balloon tosses and more. Use the Olympic colors to designate teams.</li> <li>Softball, Touch Football, Bowling or Volleyball Tournaments.</li> <li>Card Game Tournament. Family Trivia Game.</li> <li>The Amazing Race - Family Reunion Edition.</li> </ul> <p><a href="/design-tool?templateId=98" target="_self"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/FamilyReunion_TeamShirts.jpg" alt="Family reunion custom team t-shirts" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>Even better? Make team shirts! Create one reunion design, pick teams and assign different colors for your teams and send out to the family ahead of time so everyone is ready to go when they arrive for the family reunion.</p> <p>Need design inspiration? Check out our <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/inktothepeople/inkspiration/" target="_blank">Pinterest Boards</a> for ideas.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:54 https://inktothepeople.com/gear-up-for-race-season Gear Up for Race Season! <p><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/raceseason_1.jpg" alt="Dirty Girls in custom t-shirts" width="33%" /></p> <p>As we make our way towards warmer weather, there&rsquo;s something else besides spring in the air - race season!</p> <p>Perhaps you&rsquo;re training for a big marathon with your favorite group of runners, or have formed a team for a local run / walk to support a specific cause close to your heart, or maybe you just want to get a group together to cheer on a runner. Unify your group with t-shirts!</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/raceseason_2.jpg" alt="Boston Strong girls in their custom t-shirts on race day" width="100%" /></p> <p>Designing a t-shirt is a great way to unify your team and help raise money toward your goal. Many teams have had great success with t-shirt fundraising - we&rsquo;ve worked with a variety of groups on everything from Autism Awareness to Progeria Research Foundation, Leukemia, Breast and other Cancer Awareness, as well as many others.</p> <p>Collectively, charities and groups have raised over $1,000,000 through t-shirt fundraising on Ink to the People.&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/raceseason_3.jpg" alt="A team of ladies in their custom t-shirt on race day" width="100%" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:53 https://inktothepeople.com/giving-back-program-april-2014 Giving Back Program: April 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: Autism Speaks</h1> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>Update: The numbers are in. We have raised $936.30 for Autism Speaks!</em></span></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/april-2014-autism-speaks.jpg" alt="Autism Speaks - Light it up blue photo" width="100%" /></p> <p>April is Autism awareness month and April 2nd is <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/world-autism-awareness-day" target="_blank">World Autism Awareness Day</a>.</p> <p><em>From the Autism Speaks website: </em></p> <p>Autism Speaks seeks to change the future for all who struggle with autism spectrum disorders. we are dedicated to funding global biomedical research into causes, prevention, treatments and a possible cure for autism. We strive to raise public awareness about autism and its effects on individuals, families and society: and we work to bring hope to all who deal with hardships of this disorder. We are committed to raising the funds necessary to support these goals.</p> <p>Ink to the People is proud to help contribute and amplify their voice on autism.</p> <p>For more information on Autism Speaks, please visit <a href="http://www.autismspeaks.org/" target="_blank">autismspeaks.org</a>.</p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$3,000.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:52 https://inktothepeople.com/boston-stronger-than-ever Boston, Stronger than Ever <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/profile/active/1464" target="_self"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/boston-strong-running.jpg" alt="Boston Strong nears one million dollars in fundraising for the One Fund" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>Almost a year ago, the tragic events of the 2013 Boston Marathon sparked an outpouring of strength, helping hands and fundraising.</p> <p>One such fundraising effort was undertaken by three Emerson College students in Boston who didn&rsquo;t want to just stand by but contribute to the recovery of those affected by the bombings. As the smoke settled from the havoc, Nick Reynolds, Chris Dobens and&nbsp;Lane Brenner&nbsp;found Ink to the People and designed a blue t-shirt with the words &ldquo;<a href="http://www.staystrongbostonstrong.org/" target="_blank">Boston Strong</a>&rdquo; in yellow across the front. They hoped to sell a few shirts to friends and donate the proceeds to whatever fund would be supporting the victims. You can read about the next few whirlwind days, <a href="http://atkinsontshirt.com/2013/04/27/when-lightning-strikes-on-the-production-floor-with-boston-strong-t-shirts/" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://secure.onefundboston.org/index.php/content/" target="_blank">The One Fund</a> was founded to do just that - help the victims of the bombings to support them financially immediately following that fateful day, and long term - for those that have had to make lifestyle changes from loss of limb or other injuries.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/boston-strong-check-presentation-blog.jpg" alt="Boston Strong campaign check presentation" width="100%" /></p> <p>Fast forward to today - just a few short weeks from the 2014 Boston Marathon and the Boston Strong t-shirt and fundraising efforts have raised nearly $1 Million for The One Fund!</p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/boston-marathon-custom-team-t-shirts" target="_self"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/marathon-header.jpg" alt="Marathon custom t-shirt design starters" width="100%" /></a></p> <p>Even though the Boston Strong t-shirt is still available, you can support The One Fund with a t-shirt design of your own. On top of the funds you raise, Ink to the People will donate an additional 5% of sales to the One Fund. <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/boston-marathon-custom-team-t-shirts" target="_blank">Ready, get set, go!</a></p> <p>Wear it on marathon day, whether you&rsquo;re running, cheering on runners or watching from home.</p> <p>Thank you for helping us support this great cause!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:51 https://inktothepeople.com/giving-back-program-march-2014 Giving Back Program: March 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: American Cancer Society - Making Strides</h1> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>Update: The numbers are in. We have raised $500 for American Cancer Society!</em></span></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/197736_10151925564969968_1318527895_n.jpg" alt="American Cancer Society - Making Strides" width="100%" /></p> <p><em>From the ACS website: </em></p> <p>Making Strides Against Breast Cancer (MSABC) is the largest network of breast cancer awareness events in the nation, uniting more than 300 communities to finish the fight. Every breast cancer walk and event is an incredible and inspiring opportunity to honor those who have battled breast cancer, raise awareness about what we can do to reduce our breast cancer risk, and raise money to help the American Cancer Society fight the disease with research, information, services, and access to mammograms for women who need them.</p> <p>Ink to the People is proud to help contribute to their mission.</p> <p>Learn more about <a href="http://makingstrides.acsevents.org/site/PageServer?pagename=MSABC_CY14_FindAnEvent" target="_blank">Making Strides</a></p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$2,500.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:50 https://inktothepeople.com/giving-back-program-february-2014 Giving Back Program: February 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: American Heart Association</h1> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><strong><em>Update: The numbers are in. We have raised $500 for American Heart Association!</em></strong></span></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/1151069_10151583452441139_1815304200_n.jpg" alt="American Heart Association" width="100%" /></p> <p><em>From the AHA website: </em></p> <p>The American Heart Association is the nation&rsquo;s oldest, largest voluntary organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular diseases and stroke.</p> <p>Founded by six cardiologists in 1924, our organization now includes more than 22.5 million volunteers and supporters working tirelessly to eliminate these diseases. We fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to save and improve lives.</p> <p>Our nationwide organization includes 144 local offices and nearly 2,700 employees. We moved our national headquarters from New York to Dallas in 1975 to be more centrally located. The American Stroke Association was created as a division in 1997 to bring together the organization&rsquo;s stroke-related activities.</p> <p><strong>Our Mission:</strong> Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. Our mission drives everything we do.</p> <p><strong>What We Do:</strong> To improve the lives of all Americans, we provide public health education in a variety of ways.</p> <p>Ink to the People is proud to help contribute to their mission.</p> <p>Learn more about <a href="http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/" target="_blank">American Heart Association</a></p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$2,000.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:49 https://inktothepeople.com/giving-back-program-january-2014 Giving Back Program: January 2014 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: Invisible Children</h1> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>Update: The numbers are in. We have raised $500 for Invisible Children!</em></span></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/1551588_10152154640391368_1609939771_n.jpg" alt="Image of smiling African boy at school" width="100%" /></p> <p>Earlier this year we printed and donated 1800 custom t-shirts for the Fourth Estate Summit event. This is where we learned about Invisible Children and their mission.</p> <p>Invisible Children&rsquo;s mission is to bring a permanent end to LRA atrocities in East and Central Africa.</p> <p>Joseph Kony and the Lord&rsquo;s Resistance Army have been abducting, killing, and displacing civilians in East and central Africa since 1987. The founders of Invisible Children first encountered these atrocities in northern Uganda in 2003 when they met a boy named Jacob who feared for his life and a woman named Jolly who had a vision for a better future. Together, they promised Jacob that they would do whatever they could to stop Joseph Kony and the LRA. Invisible Children was founded in 2004 to fulfill that promise.</p> <p>Ink to the People is proud to help contribute to their mission.</p> <p>Learn more about <a href="http://invisiblechildren.com/" target="_blank">Invisible Children</a></p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$1,500.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:48 https://inktothepeople.com/giving-back-program-december-2013 Giving Back Program: December 2013 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: The Hunger Task Force</h1> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>Update: The numbers are in. We have raised $500 for the Hunger Task Force!</em></span></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/graphic-605x232-a-20091011%20copy.jpg" alt="Hunger Task Force image and logo" width="100%" /></p> <p><strong>Hunger Task Force Mission:</strong> Hunger Task Force believes that every person has a right to adequate food obtained with dignity. Hunger Task Force works to prevent hunger and malnutrition by providing food to people in need today and by promoting social policies to achieve a hunger free community tomorrow.</p> <p>Hunger Task Force, based in Milwaukee, WI is locally founded, locally funded and locally run. They have been a part of the community for 40 years and have become a premier organization that fights hunger every day of the year.</p> <p>Ink to the People is proud to help contribute to their battle against hunger.</p> <p>Learn more about <a href="http://www.hungertaskforce.org/" target="_blank">Hunger Task Force</a></p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$1,000.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:47 https://inktothepeople.com/giving-back-program-november-2013 Giving Back Program: November 2013 <h1 style="text-align: center;">This month's cause: The Full Belly Fund</h1> <p><span style="color: #ff0000;"><em>Update: The numbers are in. We have donated $500 for the Full Belly Fund!</em></span></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/full-belly-fund-logo.jpg" alt="Full Belly Fund Logo" width="100%" /></p> <h4>The Full Belly Fund Story:</h4> <p>10 year old, Sophie Gilbert, was having a conversation with her dad at the dinner table. They were talking about starving children in Africa, when her father mentioned that there are kids without food, right here in Milwaukee.</p> <p>Sophie wanted to do something about it. Well, she did. She started The Full Belly Fund in 2011, on her birthday.</p> <p>The Full Belly Fund collects food and monetary donations for people in need in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Since 2010, the FBF has helped provide 63,440 meals distributed through Feeding America.</p> <p>"Start small, dream big: Someday I hope to make it worldwide maybe."</p> <p>We here at Ink to the People were inspired by Sophie, and we are proud to help in her efforts.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fullbellyfund.org/" target="_blank">Visit her website</a></p> <h4>How our Giving Back Program works:</h4> <p>Each month, INK donates 10&cent; of every single shirt that is sold through the site toward a monthly featured cause. Since October 2013, we have donated over <strong>$500.00</strong> to various causes through our Giving Back Program.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:44 https://inktothepeople.com/giving-back-program-announcement Giving Back Program Announcement <h1 style="text-align: center;">INK Gives Back 10 Cents on Every Custom T-Shirt Sold</h1> <p><img style="float: right;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/gives-back-logo.png" alt="Ink to the People Gives Back Logo" width="50%" /></p> <p>Ink to the People announced today that is has created a new initiative to donate 10&cent; for every custom t-shirt sold each month to a selected charity. Ink to the People has named this initiative &lsquo;INK - Giving Back&rsquo;. Ink to the People has chosen this model as it focuses on its mission to help individuals fundraise and sees its importance as a role model in this space. The first non-profit to be featured will be the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Ink to the People will announce each month a new charity that will be supported through the INK - Giving Back program.</p> <p><em>&lsquo;We feel it is our duty to help those less fortunate than ourselves and embed this philosophy on Ink to the People&rsquo;s online custom t-shirt apparel platform on an everyday basis,</em>&rdquo; says Todd Richheimer, co-founder of Ink to the People.</p> <p>Custom t-shirt fundraising for charity has proven to be very successful as Ink to the People witnessed earlier this year with the Boston Strong t-shirts designed by Emerson College Students on Ink to the People's easy to use online t-shirt and apparel platform. Nick Reynolds, Chris Dobens and Lane Brenner were able to easily create their custom t-shirt for sale on the Ink to the People online platform without any risk and sell these custom t-shirts to raise money for The One Fund Boston. Their momentum quickly grew with over 34,000 shirts sold and raising over $500,000 in the first 7 days. Their success was driven by a consistent social media campaign to build awareness, natural online viral sharing, as well as the authenticity of their campaign.</p> <p>Ink to the People is proud to have build a state of the art online custom t-shirt and apparel platform to host fundraising campaigns. The fundraising platform is great for organizations and individuals looking for an opportunity to sell custom designed t-shirts without risking any money upfront and having the ability to control their profit and sale price.</p> <p>Ink to the People recently used its one of a kind online crowdfunding apparel platform to sell over 59,000 custom &lsquo;Boston Strong&rsquo; t-shirts and help raise $900,000 for The One Fund Boston. Crowdfunding is all the rage these days as thousands of companies, charities and organizations are attempting to raise money through the use of traditional sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo for their latest venture, product, or creative project. Ink to the People&rsquo;s apparel technology platform makes it much easier for charities, organizations and events to raise significant revenue easier and faster.</p> <p><a class="extra-large-button-orange" title="Start a Fundraiser" href="http://inktothepeople.com/design-tool" target="_self">get started</a></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:42 https://inktothepeople.com/fourth-estate-summit-invisible-children-custom-t-shirts Fourth Estate Summit & Invisible Children - Custom T-Shirts <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/fourth_estate.jpg" alt="Attendees wearing Fourth Estate Summit logo custom t-shirt donated by Ink to the People" width="100%" /></p> <p>Recently, the custom t-shirt experts here at Ink to the People were fortunate enough to participate in the Fourth Estate Summit on UCLA's campus. Ink to the People printed &amp; donated 1800 custom designed t-shirts for the attendees and VIPs. These custom t- shirts were also worn for a filming of a unity triangle.</p> <p><a href="http://invisiblechildren.com/" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/invisible-children-logo.png" alt="Invisible Children Logo" width="33%" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://invisiblechildren.com/" target="_blank">Invisible Children</a> (IC) is a non-profit organization which has dedicated its existence to the eradication of the LRA led by Joseph Kony in Africa. It all started with a trip for three young men who were shocked to see and hear how this one man had destroyed the lives of millions of people in Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo and parts of Sudan. This single organization has done an incredible job building an infrastructure in Uganda and the other affected countries with over 100 employees on the ground who are improving the lives of so many individuals.</p> <p><a href="http://invisiblechildren.com/fourth-estate-summit/" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/fourth-estate-logo.png" alt="Fourth Estate Logo" width="33%" /></a></p> <p>The <a href="http://invisiblechildren.com/fourth-estate-summit/" target="_blank">Fourth Estate</a> custom design t-shirts were used during the filming of a choreographed piece by founder Jason Russell. It is this type of creativity and outreach which has catapulted IC to very high visibility to their supporters, the UN and our government. Bills have been passed over the last few years because of IC's persistence in bringing the LRA to the forefront of issues which must be dealt with. We are proud and thankful to have forged a new relationship with an incredible organization. It is amazing how little most of us know about the atrocities going on elsewhere in the world. We need to pull together more often and make a difference.</p> <p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/StayStrongBostonStrong" target="_blank"><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/boston-strong-thumb.jpg" alt="Boston Strong Custom T-shirt Design" width="33%" /></a></p> <p>Ink to the People&rsquo;s involvement at the Fourth Estate Summit was paired with Nick, Chris and Lane from the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/StayStrongBostonStrong" target="_blank">Boston Strong</a> custom t-shirt fundraising campaign. They were invited to showcase their immensely successful t-shirt fundraising campaign that helped the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings. Through their savvy marketing, mostly embracing Facebook and Twitter along with their extreme passion to help those innocent individuals, they raised $893,054. This donation was presented to the Mayor of Boston in June. Since then, the funds have found their way in to the hands of the victims to help pay their medical bills and beyond. Now they are back selling their recognizable royal blue custom t-shirt with bold yellow letters proclaiming "Boston Strong". They started a movement and have shown the world that people can pull together when in need. Loyal Bostonians from all over the world have purchased and supported Boston Strong's campaign using the Ink to the People website, reaching close to 60,000 shirts as of today. <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace" target="_self">Support their custom t-shirt fundraising campaign</a>.</p> <p>Our site, <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/" target="_self">inktothepeople.com</a>, is a unique platform that allows you to crowdfund custom t-shirts and apparel. It's a great tool to raise funds and awareness. Custom designed t- shirts are a great medium since they deliver a message continuously and are great swag.</p> <p><a href="http://inktothepeople.com/products">START A CUSTOM T-SHIRT DESIGN</a> for your campaign now.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:41 https://inktothepeople.com/increase-your-fundraising-potential Increase your fundraising potential <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/handshake-heart.png" alt="Ink to the People Partnerships graphic" width="50%" /></p> <h2>Are you a non-profit? Earn an additional 5% every month!</h2> <h3>That's right, we will pay you 5% each month for all net sales that are brought through your unique landing page.</h3> <p><strong>What is a landing page?</strong> Well, it's a page that we create for you on our site... for FREE! To top it off, we'll even create some templates for your visitors to start their design with. All you have to do is get people to your page to start their design.</p> <p><em><strong>For example:</strong> Let's say during the month, 10 people started t-shirt campaigns from your page, and their campaigns sold a total of $5000. We will donate $250 to your organization, just like that. </em></p> <p>Just think... the campaign designer might also be donating their proceeds to you as well!</p> <p><strong>What about bulk orders?</strong> Well, that is included as well! So if a person places an order of custom t-shirts that they want to distribute themselves, we will donate 5% to you on that as well.</p> <p><strong>There is no down-side. It's free, it's easy and it gets you more funds automatically, every month!</strong></p> <p>Want to <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/page/how-it-works" target="_self">learn more</a> about this whole "campaign" thing?</p> <p>Remember, as your supporters use our site to create products online, your organization will receive 5% of net sales each month. If you are a 503-1c non-profit and would like to learn more about our affiliate program, please contact us at 888-862-2775 or <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/contact" target="_self">email us</a></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:39 https://inktothepeople.com/boston-strong-campaign-raises-893940-for-one-fund Boston Strong campaign Raises $893,940 for One Fund <h1 style="text-align: center;">Meet the minds behind the original campaign</h1> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/boston-strong-check-presentation-blog.jpg" alt="Boston Strong campaign check presentation" width="100%" /></p> <p>Last Tuesday was a big day in Boston. The creators of the original Boston Strong campaign (Nick Reynolds, Lane Brenner and Chris Dobens) presented a donation check to Boston Mayor Menino for the One Fund. Founders of Ink to the People (Jay Berman and Todd Richheimer) also attended the event. The total amount of proceeds donated was $893,940... a truly generous and inspiring response by wonderful people around the world. This moment of pride is for them. THANK YOU!</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/boston-strong-team.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>Shortly after the Boston Marathon bombings, Emerson College students, Nicholas Reynolds and Chris Dobens, needed to do something about it. So that evening, they created the phrase "Boston Strong", designed the art and then posted a custom t-shirt campaign on our website. Their friend and schoolmate, Lane Brenner, joined them a short time later. Using their marketing, communications and film education, they utilized a variety of social media networks to get the word out. It went viral. Local news channels caught on, and not long after, national news did too. They did interviews, they created a facebook page, they posted YouTube videos. They put in a lot of work but the team couldn't have imagined the response they were about to get. They hoped they would sell about 100 shirts... well they sold a total of 59,096 shirts. <strong>AMAZING!</strong></p> <p>Check out their <a title="Boston Strong Facebook Page" href="https://www.facebook.com/StayStrongBostonStrong" target="_new">facebook page</a> to see how they did it.</p> <p>They will be reposting the shirt soon, so <a title="Contact us" href="http://inktothepeople.com/contact" target="_new">let us know</a> if you are interested in ordering more. We will send you an email when the item becomes available again.</p> <h3>Need shirts for your next event? Get 25% OFF!</h3> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/river-clean-up.jpg" alt="Start Designing Button" width="50%" /></p> <p>To show our appreciation of the Boston Strong campaign, we are offering <strong>25% OFF</strong> your next custom t-shirt order. Simply use the promo code <strong>SOLSTICE25</strong> when checking out. (Minimum $30 purchase. Offer expires 6/30/13.)</p> <p><a class="extra-large-button-orange" title="Start a Fundraiser" href="http://inktothepeople.com/design-tool" target="_self">get started</a></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:38 https://inktothepeople.com/putting-custom-t-shirt-creation-tools-in-your-hands Putting Custom T-Shirt Creation Tools In Your Hands <h1 style="text-align: center;"><strong>Ink to the People gives you the tools for your custom t-shirt and apparel needs.</strong></h1> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/design-tool-in-action.png" alt="Ink to the People custom t-shirt design tool in action" width="100%" /></p> <p>Whether you just want to place an order for a bunch of t-shirts for your group or team - OR - if you want to fundraise for your cause, we've got your back covered (with cotton).</p> <h2>START THE PROCESS</h2> <p>Create a custom t-shirt design with our easy-to-use online tool then proceed to our wizard. The wizard is where you decide which route you wish to take:</p> <p><strong>1. Bulk Order</strong>: is your custom t-shirt order printed and delivered to you OR</p> <p><strong>2. Crowdfund</strong>: post your t-shirt design and market it to your group. Set a sales goal, price and time limit. Your buyers visit the url of your custom t-shirt design to place their order. Once the sales goal has been met and the sale closes, we go into production and ship the orders out to your buyers. When everything is done, we send you a check of your profits. It doesn't cost you anything. SWEET!</p> <h2>KEY TO SUCCESS</h2> <p>Marketing, Marketing, Marketing. Make sure you have a good t-shirt design, a clear message, and a passionate following of supporters. You will need to remind them to buy while the sale is active. NOTE: If you don't meet your goal before time expires on your sale, ALL ORDERS ARE CANCELLED AND REFUNDED. So it is important to spread the word, have your group spread the word.</p> <h2>TELL THE STORY</h2> <p>In the t-shirt design description field, explain why you are doing this, who it benefits, and what your goal is.</p> <p>Often, a good cause is near and dear to many people's hearts and they will support your sale. It is always nice to receive something (like a nicely designed custom t-shirt) in exchange for support. They want to show their support for a good cause.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:33 https://inktothepeople.com/turkey-day-tees Turkey Day Tees! <p>It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is already one short month away. Wasn't it just summer? Why are the leaves turning strange colors? Why is the wind blowing and why in the world is it so cold? I don't like this!</p> <p>I disagree.</p> <p>On the day our great country celebrates the great American Food Coma, you should be cool and match all your favorite relatives in a family t-shirt.</p> <p>Whether you just gather your loved ones, participate in a charity run or play a friendly game of touch football in the backyard, Ink to the People can supply the perfect custom t-shirt for you! Because matching t-shirts are fun.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Screen%20Shot%202012-10-19%20at%201.03.46%20PM.png" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>Interested in doing a local charity run? Check out <a href="http://www.runningintheusa.com/race/List.aspx?Rank=Date&amp;StartDate=11-22-2012">Running in the USA </a>to find something close by!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:32 https://inktothepeople.com/empty-bowls-milwaukee-fundraising-event Empty Bowls Milwaukee Fundraising Event <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/554131_509932269035031_1273914072_n.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>This past Saturday, a few INK staffers were fortunate to attend and support a wonderful community fundraising event.</p> <p><a href="http://www.milwaukeeemptybowls.org/" target="_blank">Empty Bowls</a> is an annual Milwaukee event in support of area food pantries. The group sells donated, hand-crafted and painted bowls to adults and children at $20 and $10, respectively. Buyers then enter soup lines supplied by local restaurants.</p> <p>In addition to supporting the cause, patrons experience the reality of waiting in line for a bowl of soup.</p> <p>Unsurprisingly, the event was a huge success raising <em>over $51,000</em>!</p> <p>It felt great to support Milwaukee's local food pantries and I very much look forward to getting more involved with next year's event.</p> <p>I extend my congratulations to all involved.</p> <p>Cheers,</p> <p>Todd</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:31 https://inktothepeople.com/how-were-different How We're Different <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/how-were-different-header.jpg" alt="How We're Different Image" width="100%" /></p> <p>Sure, there are a lot of design-your-own custom t-shirt sites out there such as CustomInk and Blue Cotton. They all do the same thing. You create a design, put it on a shirt, place your bulk order and they ship it to you. (Yes, we do that, too).</p> <p>But what if I said that you can make money selling your own custom shirts and not have to worry about storing inventory, collecting payments or distributing goods? What if I said it was all FREE? Crazy awesome, right? Well, that's how we're different from the rest.</p> <p>Want to know more? You can <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SCAtTsuKBGs&amp;feature=plcp" target="_blank">watch our video</a> or continue reading.</p> <p>So, here's how it works. Once you are done designing, you save and proceed to the INK Wizard. You will have 3 options to choose from. Select the one that applies to your needs. If you wanted to do what I was talking about above, then select the third option (PUBLIC).</p> <p>You will be asked about pricing. What you do is enter a minimum quantity. This is the number of sales that you will need to reach before your sale ends (your end date is determined by you as well). If you reach that number, we print your shirts, ship them directly to your buyers and give you your profits (more on profits later). If your sale does NOT reach that minimum number, all orders are canceled. No one pays a thing, but no one gets their shirts either. No harm, no foul. You can always revise your settings and repost after that.</p> <p>Once you enter your minimum quantity, you will be shown a base cost per item. Use that number as a guide when determining how much to sell your shirts for. Enter your selling price and your potential profit will be calculated. For example, if you put in a minimum of 24 pieces. we may give you a base cost of $10 per shirt. You could decide to sell your shirts for $20 each, producing a $10 profit per shirt. If you sold at least your minimum of 24, let's say you sold 30 shirts, we would pay you $300. Then we print your shirts and ship them to your buyers. All for FREE!</p> <p>Okay, back to the INK Wizard. As I mentioned earlier, you will select a deadline date. This is when your pre-order sale would end. You can select up to 3 weeks, currently.</p> <p>Before submitting your design, you can select a variety of ways to share your sale. You know, get the word out. Then click submit. Your design is live.</p> <p>There are so many ways to use this feature. Say you want to fundraise for a charity or your team. Or promote your student org, club or Greek house. You can sell shirts for your rock band. Maybe you have a family reunion coming up and you want your family members to choose their own size, pay for their own and get their shirts delivered to their house so that they can wear them to the reunion. Or maybe you are an artist with a cool design idea. You get the picture.</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:30 https://inktothepeople.com/top-25-t-shirt-costumes Top 25 T-Shirt Costumes <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/header.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>We here at INK <strong><em>love</em></strong> Halloween. The costumes, the candy, the horror movie marathons. It&rsquo;s pretty much the best holiday, if you ask us.</p> <p>So, what would make more sense than gathering our favorite t-shirt costumes in a fun and entertaining list?</p> <p>In the spirit of sharing, we&rsquo;ve compiled an incredibly biased collection of the 25 best t-shirt costumes found around the internet.</p> <p>Did we miss any? Show us your favorite or create your own on <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/design-tool?productid=1&amp;colorid=5" target="_self">Ink to the People</a>.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/he-man.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>25.</h2> <h3>He-Man</h3> <p>A name that can't get any more masculine. And he has the nipples to prove it.</p> <p><a href="http://compare.productwiki.com/he-man-costume-tshirt/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/dr-who.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>24.</h2> <h3>Dr. Who</h3> <p>Yes, that IS a t-shirt.</p> <p><a href="http://tcritic.com/archives/t-shirts-dr-who-costume/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/rick-walking-dead.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>23.</h2> <h3>Rick from The Walking Dead</h3> <p>This one is not that recognizable, so be prepared to answer some questions. Shoot first, answer questions later.</p> <p><a href="http://www.manofactionfigures.com/products/walking-dead-rick-grimes-costume-t-shirt-x-large" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/mighty-mouse.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>22.</h2> <h3>Mighty Mouse</h3> <p>I had no idea that Mighty Mouse had such a cute figure.</p> <p><a href="http://fashionablygeek.com/t-shirts/mighty-mouse-costume-t-shirt/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/wonder-woman.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>21.</h2> <h3>Wonder Woman</h3> <p>Anyone else think this was a costume for the WWF (World Wrestling Federation)?</p> <p><a href="http://www.shirts.com/wonder-woman-costume-tshirt.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/superman.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>20.</h2> <h3>Superman</h3> <p>This one is a staple in American culture. Just steer clear from pretty green crystals.</p> <p><a href="http://hamamori.com/sale_20386_470732227-Superman-T-Shirt-Costume.htm" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/batman.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>19.</h2> <h3>Batman</h3> <p>So cool, he can pull off wearing a fanny pack.</p> <p><a href="http://www.t-shirts.com/batman-costume-tshirt.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/hulk.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>18.</h2> <h3>The Incredible Hulk</h3> <p>Can also double as your "Leprechaun on Steroids" St. Patrick's Day outfit.</p> <p><a href="http://www.stylinonline.com/youth-t-shirt-costume-hulk.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/shrek.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>17.</h2> <h3>Shrek</h3> <p>Perfect costume for all of those "husky" boys out there. Their favorite candy bar is "Chunky". I'll stop now.</p> <p><a href="http://teenormous.com/t-shirts/Shrek-s-Body-Costume-T-Shirt-by-Stylin-Online-687372" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/joker.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>16.</h2> <h3>The Joker</h3> <p>This one is always cool. You get bonus points if you can get a friend to go as Batman.</p> <p><a href="http://www.t-shirts.com/joker-costume-tshirt.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/spongebob.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>15.</h2> <h3>Sponge Bob</h3> <p>More like Sponge Bob Square<em>shirt</em>. See what I did there? You're welcome.</p> <p><a href="http://t-shirtguru.com/2010/11/29/ladies-spongebob-costume-shirt-t-shirt-80stees/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/ferris-bueller.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>14.</h2> <h3>Ferris Bueller</h3> <p>2 in 1. This also doubles as Abe Froman aka The Sausage King of Chicago.</p> <p><a href="http://t-shirtguru.com/2010/10/23/ferris-bueller-costume-shirt-t-shirt-80stees/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/spider-man.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>13.</h2> <h3>Spiderman</h3> <p>"Does whatever a spider can"? So you put this on and hang out in my bath tub because you can't crawl up the slippery sides.</p> <p><a href="http://www.fanpop.com/spots/spider-man/images/12675705/title/spiderman-costume-t-shirt-photo" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/fred-flintstone.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>12.</h2> <h3>Fred Flintstone</h3> <p>About as unfunny as Scooby Doo. Still watched it like crazy, though.</p> <p><a href="http://www.80stees.com/pwr/product-reviews/T-shirts/p/FLIN017-Fred-Flintstone-Costume-t-shirt-by-Junk-Food.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/sheldon.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>11.</h2> <h3>Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory</h3> <p>((trick * x / y) + (z - treat)) = BAZINGA!</p> <p><a href="http://www.stylinonline.com/t-shirt-big-bang-theory-sheldon-trompe-costume.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/teenage-mutant-ninja-turtle.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>10.</h2> <h3>Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle</h3> <p>If your costume gets wrinkled, you can always go as an <em>Elderly</em> Mutant Ninja Turtle. Yeah, I'm so clever.</p> <p><a href="http://www.80stees.com/products/Teenage-Mutant-Ninja-Turtles-costume-t-shirts.asp" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/the-hangover.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>9.</h2> <h3>The Hangover</h3> <p>Whatever. BabyBjorns are the invention of the century in my book. Thank you, Sweden.</p> <p><a href="http://www.allposters.com/-sp/The-Hangover-Baby-Bjorn-Costume-Tee-Posters_i7742569_.htm?aid=821091455&amp;LinkTypeID=2&amp;PosterTypeID=1&amp;DestType=7&amp;Referrer=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Esquidoo%2Ecom%2Fhangover-2-yellow-lab-t-shirt%3Futm_source%3Dgoogle%26utm_medium%3Dimgres%26utm_campaig" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/chewie.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>8.</h2> <h3>Chewbacca</h3> <p>This is a tough one because if you can't do the vocalization, the illusion is ruined.</p> <p><a href="http://www.geekalerts.com/chewbacca-costume-t-shirt/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/elf.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>7.</h2> <h3>Elf - The Movie</h3> <p>If you love Will Ferrell that much to wear this, I feel for you. I really do.</p> <p><a href="http://www.christmasvacationcollectibles.com/productDetails.cfm;jsessionid=8430f3dcbbbb4e501d79TR?merchID=110905164715406503&amp;CFID=1975295&amp;CFTOKEN=15516861" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/data-goonies.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>6.</h2> <h3>Data from The Goonies</h3> <p>No, this isn't Inspector Gadget. This is Short Round turned prodigy inventor.</p> <p><a href="http://thlog.com/goonies-data-costume-t-shirt/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/lumbergh.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>5.</h2> <h3>Lumbergh from Office Space</h3> <p>&ldquo;Um yeah. We have a little problem here. If you could go ahead and come in on Halloween, that would be great. mm-kay?!&rdquo;</p> <p><a href="http://www.80stees.com/products/Lumbergh-Costume-Office-Space-T-Shirt.asp" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/ghostbusters-venkman.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>4.</h2> <h3>Dr. Venkman from Ghostbusters</h3> <p>There was a whole lot of "sliming" going on in the 80's. You had Ghostbusters and what was the name of that show on Nickelodeon?</p> <p><a href="http://www.2bhiptshirts.com/c=wjq08I9RCs1GOSbSpbomANpbO/product/TS626/Ghostbusters-Venkman-Costume-Glow-In-The-Dark-T-Shirt-Tee.html" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/charlie-brown.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>3.</h2> <h3>Charlie Brown</h3> <p>Good grief, make sure to practice your line... "I got a rock".</p> <p><a href="http://costumepop.com/costume-buzz/charlie-brown-costume-t-shirt/" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/duffman.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>2.</h2> <h3>Duff Man</h3> <p>Now it would be totally acceptable to thrust at everyone at the Halloween Party. Okay, it is never acceptable, just wrong and creepy.</p> <p><a href="http://www.boozingear.com/duff-tshirt-simpsons-costume" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/vader.png" alt="" width="33%" /></p> <h2>1.</h2> <h3>Darth Vader</h3> <p>"What's this? A Charleston Chew!?! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!"</p> <p><a href="http://t-shirthomepage.com/?p=251" target="_blank">Source</a></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:29 https://inktothepeople.com/a-bit-of-advice A Bit of Advice... <p>Designing t-shirts can be overwhelming. Generally, we have a lot to say and not a whole lot of space to say it.</p> <p>Cutting information can be tough.</p> <p>In the words of our favorite fictional ad man, "Make it simple, but significant"</p> <p><a href="http://keroiam.tumblr.com/post/27919587528"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/27919587528.jpeg" alt="" width="50%" /></a></p> <p>If you're struggling to envision your upcoming t-shirt masterpiece, head over to our <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/products/item/gildan-2000?categoryid=2">design tool</a> to see how things look. If you still have too much text for your tee, flip it over and add text on the back!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:28 https://inktothepeople.com/breast-cancer-awareness-month Breast Cancer Awareness Month <p>This week marks the beginning of National Breast Cancer Awareness month. We love fundraising for a cause over here at INK, so we were very excited to see the <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace/ink-detail/1539">latest shirt</a> posted in our <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/marketplace">Marketplace</a>.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Screen%20Shot%202012-10-01%20at%203.34.54%20PM.png" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>Do you have a cause? Want to raise money? It's easy to do with Ink! Just design a shirt, set your price and profit, and share share share!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:25 https://inktothepeople.com/ink-to-the-people-annual-picnic Ink to the People Annual Picnic! <h1 style="text-align: center;">This Saturday, INK and our parent company, Visual Impressions, hosted our annual picnic...</h1> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/photo%20(5).JPG" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>Look at all the fun we had! Perfect weather, delicious food, outstanding company!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:24 https://inktothepeople.com/introducing-me-jenny-b Introducing... Me! Jenny B! <h1 style="text-align: center;">Hi! I'm Jenny and I'm the newest member of the INK team.</h1> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/jbme.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>There's nothing quite like writing a blog post about yourself... so here goes.</p> <p>I'm a very recent graduate of University of Wisconsin - Madison in Life Sciences Communications and have relocated to Milwaukee to both sell the custom t's and pursue a second degree in graphic design.</p> <p>Aside from wearing t-shirts, I like to ride and race bikes, read silly books, drink excessive amounts of coffee, do old-lady crafts, and worry about my cats Betty and Walter.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/jbmtb3.jpg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>My other skills include eating peanut butter, taking naps, and kicking <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/blog/showbyauthor/toddr">Todd </a>out of the office.</p> <p>Here at INK I will be running our social media sites, posting on our blog, putting together monthly newsletters, and aiding <a href="http://inktothepeople.com/blog/showbyauthor/darylc">Daryl </a>in marketing and customer service.</p> <p>While my official title is Community Manager, I prefer something along the lines of Social Media/Marketing Monster.</p> <p>That being said, make sure to keep tabs on our social media platforms. We're on <a href="http://twitter.com/inktothepeople">Twitter</a>, <a href="http://pinterest.com/inktothepeople">Pinterest</a>, <a href="http://fb.com/inktothepeople">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://statigr.am/inktothepeopledotcom">Instagram </a>and <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/117778440747388177637/posts">Google+</a>.</p> <p>Questions? Want to chat? Shoot me an <a href="mailto:jennyb@inktothepeople.com" target="_blank">email </a>or contact us using any of our social sites!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:23 https://inktothepeople.com/bolting-in-the-office Bolting in the office <h1 style="text-align: center;">Daryl is really excited about INK.</h1> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/photo.JPG" alt="" width="100%" /></p> urn:store:1:blog:post:22 https://inktothepeople.com/the-color-run-and-color-me-rad-t-shirt-ideas The Color Run and Color Me Rad T-Shirt Ideas <p>The latest trend in the running world is an interesting one. In The Color Run and Color Me Rad events, volunteers line the course, rewarding every finished kilometer by throwing handfuls of dyed cornstarch on you. Seriously.</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/2012-2-1-ColorRun-01_1.jpeg" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>It actually looks really fun.</p> <p>Running as a team? Need t-shirt ideas? Check out our Color Run templates under Events &amp; Parties to see a few designs!&nbsp;<a href="http://inktothepeople.com/design-tool?startmode=template">http://inktothepeople.com/design-tool?startmode=template</a></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Screen%20shot%202012-08-08%20at%204.35.44%20PM.png" alt="Template Color Run" width="100%" /></p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/Screen%20shot%202012-08-08%20at%204.37.11%20PM.png" alt="" width="100%" /></p> <p>Now remember, wear white so you look especially colorful at the end! And the dyed cornstarch doesn't stain, so you'll be able to hold on to your Color Run shirt for years after the race!</p> <p>Happy running!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:13 https://inktothepeople.com/for-the-hel-of-it For the "Hel" of it? <p><img style="float: left;" src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/330.png" alt="Helyesica Design" width="50%" />So, Ink to the People has finally become a reality. I&rsquo;m excited. Really excited! What a great platform for us creative-types to get some work out there, connect with the masses, and hopefully sell some shirts.</p> <p>But what to design? What, indeed&hellip; This should be easy. I&rsquo;ve been a designer for many years. It should be a no brainer, right? I quickly realized, it&rsquo;s harder than it seems. When there&rsquo;s a client, there is a strategy, an objective, a budget, and always, a deadline. This one was on my shoulders, fully. The proverbial empty canvas. Art-for-art-sake. Yep, it&rsquo;s a bit daunting.</p> <p>As I stared into space for inspiration (long enough for my psychedelic screen saver to ignite), it hit me. Unicorns. With that, I began. I typically start by typing in a word just to get the wheels rolling. Unicorn, as it so happens, is quite a handsome word. Good start I thought. Next was to select a font. Should I go for something Roman, I asked myself, perhaps a nice Baskerville, Minion or maybe Bodoni? Hmm, not feeling &lsquo;em. How about something silly, I wondered. Log Cabin fit the bill. Uh, NO. As I was about to abandon ship and get back to my &ldquo;real&rdquo; work, I tried Helvetica. My standard, underestimated, sometime revered, Helvetica. It was PERFECT. It&rsquo;s a font I use a lot. One that has always been there for me, and in my time of need, once again, it came through.</p> <p>I decided to shelf unicorns and focus on my go-to font as the subject of the design. From my earliest design memory, there has always been a degree of controversy about the widely used sans-serif typeface developed in 1957 by Swiss typeface designer Max Miedinger with Eduard Hoffmann.</p> <p>Helvetica sometimes gets a bad rap. It&rsquo;s been called boring, predictable, and generic, but many designers disagree. In sharp contrast, they love it. And can&rsquo;t live without it. By now you have probably guessed, I am one of the loyalists. It&rsquo;s beautifully designed and timeless. It can look big and bad, or with the right size proportions and letter spacing, remarkably elegant. Having created hundreds, if not thousands of designs using Helvetica, I set out to create a custom t-shirt design that is in firm support of a subject close to my heart, and my aesthetics.&nbsp;</p> <p>The question is a simple one: To Helvetica or not to Helvetica? I say: <strong>Helyesica!</strong></p> <p><strong>Anyone up for a challenge?</strong></p> <p>Not everyone agrees that Helvetica is the end-all sans-serif solution. Some like Futura, Gill Sans, or dare I say, the system-safe star, Arial. Well, fellow designers, and haters, let&rsquo;s see what you&rsquo;ve got! Yep, it&rsquo;s a good ol&rsquo; fashioned, initial cap, perfectly kerned, leaded-to-the-nth, gentleman&rsquo;s challenge! If anyone is up to the task, I&rsquo;m looking forward to wearing one of your font inspired shirt designs. To sweeten the deal, the best selling font inspired design will get a nifty Ink to the People logo shirt. Oh yeah.</p> <p>I&rsquo;m hopeful that this little rant, if for nothing else, serves as inspiration to anyone looking for a subject in which to focus your design.</p> <p>Thanks,</p> <p>Neil Becker<br /> Principal, Becker Design | Creative Director, Ink to the People</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:12 https://inktothepeople.com/our-first-shipment Our First Shipment <h1 style="text-align: center;">Today is a special day here at INK.</h1> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/photo-2.jpg" alt="Ink to the People packaging" width="25%" /><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/photo-3.jpg" alt="Jesse packaging the first INK" width="25%" /><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/photo-1.jpg" alt="Ink to the People packaging" width="25%" /><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/photo-4.jpg" alt="Ink to the People box of orders" width="25%" /></p> <p>Today we shipped our first set of orders out to the good people of the world. Thank you for supporting us and the fine artists on our site. We would love to see pics of you in your spiffy new shirt. If you'd like to share, you can post on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/InktothePeople" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page. Happy Inking!</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:11 https://inktothepeople.com/our-first-ink Our First INK <h1 style="text-align: center;">Congraulations to our first successful INKer!</h1> <h1><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/molly_flood1.jpg" alt="Molly Flood" width="33%" /><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/pug_life1.jpg" alt="Pug Life" width="33%" /><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/ink_juan_printing_first_shirt1.jpg" alt="Juan printing the first INK shirt" width="33%" /></h1> <p><a href="http://www.mollykflood.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Molly Flood</strong></a>, an Illustration student at the <a href="http://www.miad.edu/" target="_blank">Milwaukee Institute of Art &amp; Design</a>, was the first person to have a successful&nbsp;Public INK. Pictured above holding THE very first <strong>Ink to the People</strong> order, Molly was part of our test group. Her INK, entitled "Pug Life", sold 25 shirts and put cash in her pocket. Want to be like Molly and make money selling your own custom designed t-shirts?</p> urn:store:1:blog:post:7 https://inktothepeople.com/hello-world-2 Hello, World <h1 style="text-align: center;">Nice to meet you!&nbsp;</h1> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><img src="/Content/Images/uploaded/blog/IMG_1012.JPG" alt="The INK Crew" width="100%" /></p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>We are <strong>Ink to the People</strong>, but since we've been casually introduced, you can call us <strong>INK</strong> for short.</p> <p>So what's our story?</p> <p>It all started back in the olde days, 1990 to be exact. First, let's give that some perspective. That's when the public didn't know what the Internet was because it wasn't available. That's when Apple&reg; released it's revolutionary Macintosh Classic, boasting a maximum 4 <em>mega</em>bytes of RAM and a 9 inch monochromatic green display.&nbsp;That's when portable music was limited to ONE CD that bounced around your hip and skipped like a Double Dutch Champion. Ah yes, memories. But that's also when two t-shirt-lovin' gents started a garment decorating company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Over the next 20 years, they grew their company into an industry leader by employing passionate employees who cared about quality and their customers. They also were&nbsp;early adopters of the latest &amp; greatest technology in the industry.</p> <p>Today, they continue those trends by launching the <strong>Ink to the People</strong> website.</p> <p>While we aren't the first <em>"Design-A-Shirt Online"</em> website, there are a few things that make us different, unique and revolutionary. Sure, you can design a shirt with our user-friendly Design Tool. Sure, you can upload you own art or logo. Other sites do that too. But they don't allow you to design, share &amp; sell your shirts with NO RISK, no upfront costs, no unsold inventory in your basement.</p> <p>How does it work?</p> <p>1. Design or upload your graphic.&nbsp;<br /> 2. Choose a garment.&nbsp;<br /> 3. Set a minimum quantity and your price.&nbsp;<br /> 4. Set the duration of the sale.&nbsp;<br /> 5. Share it with the people you want, or share it with the world by posting it in our Marketplace.</p> <p>The design isn't printed until the minimum (that you set) is reached. If the minimum quantity (or more) is sold by the end of your sale, we print it and ship it to your buyers. Think of it like the GROUPON&reg; of garments.&nbsp;The best part? <strong>We line your pockets with your profits!</strong> Cha-Ching, baby!</p> <p>But what happens if your minimum is not met? Well, your sale just expires. That's it. No one pays a dime, not even you because <strong>designing &amp; selling is absolutely FREE</strong>. No April Foolin'.</p> <p>"Okay, that's great", you may say, "but what if I just want to place a bulk order and have them shipped to me... none of this sharing business". Well, guess what? We do that too. It's what we affectionately call a <strong>"Personal INK"</strong>. Basically, the process is the same, easier even! Design or upload your graphic, select a garment, select your sizes &amp; quantities. Boom. Done. We print &amp; ship the bulk order to you, your organization, your event, where ever you need it to go. How cool is that?</p> <p>Just want to shop?</p> <p>If you have no interest in designing or selling because your strength is in <em>buying</em> custom designed apparel, I invite you to visit the <strong>Ink to the People</strong> <a href="/marketplace" target="_self">Marketplace</a> where you can shop to your heart's content.</p> <p>Alright my friend, enough chit-chat, time to <a href="/design-tool?productid=1&amp;colorid=5" target="_self">kick our tires</a> and do some doughnuts in the virtual parking lot. And hey, <a href="/contact" target="_self">let us know</a> how we handle.</p> <p>Team Ink</p>