Cheekwood’s Corporate Friends
Cheekwood has partnered with local companies for almost as many years as the institution has been in existence. In 2018, in order to meet the needs of Nashville’s growing business community, Cheekwood launched an enhanced corporate membership program called Corporate Friends. With annual gift levels ranging from $1,500 to $100,000 and higher, this program provides opportunities for mutually beneficial partnership. Businesses may support company initiatives through increased brand awareness, entertainment and employee well-being, while at the same time partnering to present our community with seasonal programs, education programs and special events at Cheekwood. Corporate Friends help preserve Cheekwood as an historical landmark where beauty and excellence in art and horticulture stimulate the mind and nurture the spirit.
Corporate Friends of Cheekwood receive highly visible brand promotion through extensive marketing campaigns, onsite presence and Cheekwood’s social media reach. With art, gardens, history, family programs, special events and more, there is something for everyone to do and see at Cheekwood, and Corporate Friends may take advantage of employee family days, volunteer opportunities, free passes, discounted or complimentary rental space for corporate meetings or events, and more.
Gary Hawkins, Founding Principal of Hawkins Partners, Inc., wrote after a meeting at Cheekwood, “This is a note, on behalf of the entire Hawkins Partners family, of gratitude! We so enjoyed the benefits of having such a beautiful location as the Frist Learning Center to have our firm’s visioning session on Monday afternoon! It was perfect! The quiet of a cloudy, cool Monday at Cheekwood, immersed in a setting so comfortable and efficiently appointed, gave our team time to reflect on our core values, build new bonds, look to our future and establish an exciting vision to share. That cannot happen without escaping from the demands and distraction in the office for a time.”
Through the Corporate Friends Program, Cheekwood delivers a wide variety of programming that would not be possible otherwise including seasonal festivals, special events and education initiatives. 2019 seasonal festival presenting sponsors include HCA (Cheekwood in Bloom), Vanderbilt Health (Summertime at Cheekwood), FirstBank (Cheekwood Harvest) and Jackson National Life Insurance (Holiday LIGHTS). Each of these festivals provides the opportunity for companies to have their brand highlighted on signage on property as well as in advertisements and promotion of the event in print publications, digital ads, social media, billboards and more. Furthermore, employees and clients are invited to explore the gardens, historic rooms and galleries through employee family days and special events.
SunTrust has been a partner of Cheekwood for over 30 years, sponsoring events such as Spring Art Hop and Summer Stable Party.
“SunTrust has been deeply committed to the Nashville market since 1927, and we understand how the sustainability of not for profit organizations like Cheekwood is dependent on the financial support of corporations and foundations. The longevity of our partnership dates back to the 1980s, and we are proud of all the hard work Cheekwood’s staff and board have provided throughout the years to preserve this local historical landmark,” stated Sabrina Miller, Vice President, Commercial Banking at SunTrust.
In addition to seasonal festivals and events, corporate support provides over $110,000 annually for Cheekwood’s Education and Outreach programs. This has allowed Cheekwood to provide free access and programs to thousands of students and families annually through free school field trips, free transportation, scholarships for Cheekwood Summer Camp and more. Furthermore, it has allowed Cheekwood to implement a paid internship program with local college students in the field areas of horticulture, education, marketing, development and more.
“Regions is proud to announce that we are supporting Cheekwood’s TSU Internship Program. The funds will provide two internships during the Fall 2019 semester for low or moderate-income students. We were excited to learn of the program and the success that TSU students have had in securing employment in the area of study upon graduation.” – Latrisha Jemison, Regions Bank, Senior Vice President / Regional Community Development & Partnerships Manager
Deliver one-of-a-kind experiences to your clients, employees and prospects while preserving one of the most iconic cultural institutions in Tennessee. We invite your company to join Cheekwood as a Corporate Friend today!