Public relations can make a difference. Sometimes, it can even make over $5,000 worth of a difference.

Arizona Unit 62 was recently selected by Peoria Mayor Cathy Carlat as the Charity of Choice for her State of the City address.

“Supporting our veterans has always been near and dear to my heart,” said Carlat, whose constituents total about 160,000. “Over the past few months, it has been a privilege to showcase American Legion Auxiliary Unit 62, as my State of the City Charity of Choice. The Auxiliary has created a noble legacy of service, and I am honored to present this donation as they continue their far-reaching efforts to improve the lives of our veterans and their families.”

With the Charity of Choice selection, the mayor held a Chamber of Commerce event with a portion of the proceeds going toward Unit 62, which resulted in $5,133 for the unit.

Ahead of the event, professional ALA advertisements were added into the programs for each of the community events and poppies were at each place setting and on the back of the programs.

ALA Promotions

The unit was also promoted on all of the city’s printed material for the event.

“Our unit will be seeing its second consecutive year of membership growth this year,” Marge Christianson with Unit 62, said. “This kind of public recognition can only help our efforts to retain the members we have and acquire new ones. Additionally, being in the public eye has helped with financial contributions. Including the mayor’s donation, our unit has received $10,000 from outside donors this past fiscal year. That is making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Public relations works!”

The State of the City Address was attended by 200 business and civic leaders — including mayors from nearby cities — who paid $100 a seat to attend.

State of the City

Carlat held eight neighborhood events where the promotional materials and poppies were given to all attendees. A Unit 62 representative attended each of the sessions, which had about 100 people each.

“These were amazing networking opportunities,” Christianson said.

To learn more about Unit 62, visit www.Facebook.com/Unit62AZ.