Nonprofit · Gifting
Karmanos — Signed Boxing Gloves for Cancer Survivors
25 custom embroidered gloves — staff-signed and gifted to notable cancer survivors. Now on their fundraiser committee.
Client
Karmanos — nonprofit / cancer care. Program year: 2024.
Goal
Create a one-of-a-kind gift worthy of Karmanos's mission — originally envisioned for major donors, ultimately directed to cancer survivors the hospital identified as notable.
Challenge
- Gloves with foam interiors made embroidery nearly impossible for most vendors. The gift also had to carry real emotional weight — not feel like promotional product.
Solution
- Deconstructed the cuff, embroidered, and reassembled for a professional, durable finish. ~25 high-end gloves produced. Karmanos staff signed each glove personally.
Result
- Gloves gifted to cancer survivors selected by the hospital — a deeply personal recognition moment.
- Ongoing trust relationship: invited to join a 2025 fundraiser committee.
- Continued introductions and connections — Karmanos treats us as a partner, not a vendor.
Key takeaway
Some gifts aren't about logo placement — they're about solving the impossible and helping an organization honor people who matter.
Note: Original brief referenced Tommy Hearns signing; final program used staff signatures for survivor recipients.
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