The Alltech Sustainable Haiti Project

Alltech is a Kentucky-based biotechnology company, a leader in animal nutrition, the makers of Kentucky Ale, and the title sponsor of the Alltech 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games.  They're also a client.

If you live in Kentucky you know the Games start in less than two weeks, and you've probably heard the name "Alltech" a lot. You may not know, however, that Alltech's commitment to social responsibility - particularly in Haiti - is much stronger than you might expect.

Lots of companies can write checks, and Alltech is doing that.  Plenty of companies can create "awareness" projects that emphasize the arts and appeal to our better angels, and Alltech is doing that too.  But not every company will actually rebuild education infrastructure in Haiti, or build a manufacturing facility there and create local jobs, or work with existing local businesses and market their products overseas. Alltech is doing all of that.  To me, this level of long-term commitment is the difference between wanting people to think you care and actually caring. It's also a message to the people of Haiti that we have faith and confidence in you.

And now Alltech is making it easier than ever for you to help.  Simply text the word "Alltech" to the number 50555 to make a $5 donation to support Alltech's Sustainable Haiti Project. (the donation goes to a 501c3 non-profit. your phone plan's text message rates apply.)

The company is doing some very creative things to help spread the word.  For starters, they're inviting all of Kentucky's colleges to engage in a friendly competition and set up teams of student volunteers to solicit donations.  If you text "Alltech" AND the name of a college or university in Kentucky to 50555, that school's team gets "credit" for the donation.  All of the volunteers will get tickets to the Games, where they'll be asking people to donate.  The winning team will be recognized at Alltech's Haitian Harmony Benefit Concert featuring The Chieftains on October 4 in Lexington KY.

They're also hosting an exhibit at the Alltech Pavilion at the Games where you can learn more about the situation in Haiti, what the company is doing there, and how you can help.  So if you live in Central Kentucky but you're not a big equestrian fan, now there's something at the Games that you can be a part of too.

I'm thrilled that they've asked me to do I can to help as well - I'm teaming up with two of Lexington's coolest bloggers, Heather Chapman and Alison Kerr, to do all our high-falutin' social media tricks and gimmicks to let everyone know about this. You know, like sharing this attractive and valuable Facebook application.

We will be rolling out more in the days and weeks ahead.  This is a great cause, it's a great company, and a great event.  PR flacks like me dream about jobs like this.  I'm looking forward to it.