MEDIA CONTACTS:
Judy Frankel, Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau
Phone: 608-441-3958
Email: frankel@visitmadison.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Fallout from Mittengate means more warmth for Madisonion’s
MADISON, Wis. (Jan 19, 2012) — In December, the Wisconsin Department of Tourism solicited support from area CVB’s and travel centers to donate mittens to help make this winter a bit warmer for those in need. “Mittengate” as it came to be known, was a whimsical spinoff of some playful back and forth with Tourism officials in Michigan. The Wisconsin Department of Tourism issued a call to action statewide and a wide array of tourism partners participated.
Locally, the Greater Madison Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) took a decidedly broader view of Mittengate. Widely known for our inclusive character, we here in Madison extended the campaign to be as broad as possible. The GMCVB did not limit itself to the collection of just mittens—perhaps you are a dyed in the wool glove person? So, in an effort to be inclusive, and with a subtle nod to our region’s collective character, the GMCVB embraced scarfgate and hatgate along with neck warmers, coats, jackets and vests –any and all cold weather gear was welcomed.
The Greater Madison community really embraced this donation drive that ran from mid-December through mid-January. With the help of GMCVB staffers and our participating partners businesses the GMCVB was able to deliver a substantial number of cold weather items to YWCA Madison. New CEO Rachel Krinsky happily received the donations hand-delivered by Diane Morgenthaler, Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Planning as seen in the attached photo.
GMCVB leadership and staff would like to extend their hearty thanks to all those who donated to this campaign. Hats off too, to the Wisconsin Department of Tourism for engaging travel centers and CVB’s statewide in this charitable clothing drive.
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