Hives for Lives

When Devon, PA residents Molly and Carly Houlahan lost their grandfather unexpectedly to cancer in 2004, they were inspired to raise money for cancer research by producing honey—and social enterprise Hives for Lives was born. ELISE provides strategic consulting and media relations services to Hives for Lives, our non-profit partner. As a result of our efforts, Hives for Lives was discovered by Whole Foods Market.

APPROACH

ELISE began working with Hives For Lives in summer 2007. The Houlahan sisters were preparing to receive the President’s Volunteer Service Award from President George W. Bush at a reception in Philadelphia. With the understanding that The White House had set its press efforts on live television interviews the day of the event, ELISE focused its media outreach on securing advance coverage in radio and print outlets.

RESULTS

Hives for Lives was featured in The Philadelphia Inquirer—a story that was also picked up by four local newspapers—and an interview aired on WHYY Morning Edition the day that President Bush visited Philadelphia. And, as a result of the positive press coverage, Hives for Lives caught the attention of Whole Foods Market. The world’s largest retailer of natural and organic foods committed to selling Hives for Lives’ honey in 35 of its mid-Atlantic stores.

ELISE continues to pitch the young girls’ entrepreneurial success story to local and national press and has secured regional television interviews. And, due to this heightened visibility, Hives for Lives was invited to appear in 2008 at the annual CNN “Inspire Summit” alongside Whoopi Goldberg and Eve Ensler.