Industry
Nonprofit
Headquarters
Eagan, MN
Use Case
Fundraising Gala
Background
When the American Heart Association (AHA) Minnesota needed to anchor their annual Heart Ball gala with a powerful narrative, they turned to Blue Key Media for expert fundraising video production. The goal was to promote the life-saving importance of CPR while driving record-breaking donations through an authentic, emotional testimonial.
Challenege
Connecting Mission to Action
AHA Minnesota is dedicated to helping residents live longer, healthier lives through research, lifestyle advocacy, and CPR training. To elevate their fundraising strategy, they sought a way to move beyond statistics and create a deep emotional connection with their donors. They needed a Minneapolis video production partner who could capture a raw, human story that would resonate both at a live gala and across digital platforms.
Approach
Building Empathy Through Authentic Storytelling
We collaborated with the American Heart Association to produce a centerpiece testimonial featuring Emily, a cardiac arrest survivor whose life was saved by a neighbor’s quick action and CPR.
Our production strategy focused on:
- Emotional Depth: We conducted intensive interviews, asking the difficult questions necessary to capture the raw, honest emotions of the event.
- Visual Narrative: To keep the audience engaged, we paired these interviews with cinematic visuals of Emily and her family. In particular, we re-created the powerful scene of Emily’s daughter running to the neighbor’s house after Emily collapsed
- High-End Production Value: Using creative lighting, slow-motion cinematography, and intentional sound design, we ensured the technical quality matched the weight of the story.
Outcome
Record-Breaking Results and Recognition
The video served as the emotional heartbeat of the event, leading to several major milestones:
- $190,000 Raised: The fund-a-need moment achieved a record-breaking fundraising total.
- Regional Recognition: The project was nominated for a Midwest Regional Emmy.
- National Reach: The content was recognized and utilized by the AHA National office.
Through strategic fundraising video production, AHA didn’t just meet their goals; they amplified their mission and reinforced the life-saving power of CPR training across the state.
