Business

Sporting KC and Hallmark announce partnership to put more caring in the world

Hallmark-SKC_Image

Sporting Kansas City and Hallmark announced a creative new partnership on Tuesday designed to align the brands around opportunities to put more care into the world by reaching fans, players and families across the soccer community. 
“Both Hallmark and Sporting Kansas City are perfectly positioned to reach the Kansas City and greater Midwest community with messages of kindness and caring,” said Lindsey Roy, chief marketing officer – Hallmark Greetings. “Cards are a tangible example of how easy it is to brighten someone’s day or even their world. Our hope with this partnership is to reach as many people as possible through the unique intersections where greeting cards can positively impact the soccer community to inject some positivity into the world.”
“On behalf of Sporting Kansas City, we are thrilled to formally partner with Hallmark,” said Justin Compton, Sporting KC’s Vice President of Corporate Partnerships. “Sporting Kansas City hopes to provide a positive outlet to Hallmark’s vision and continue to explore new ways to reach fans of both brands within the local community and beyond.”
The industry leaders will team up on a wide variety of initiatives over the course of the two-year partnership, including support of 
The Victory Project
 to help children battling cancer and 
Sporting Salutes
 to honor the service and sacrifice of military members and their families, as well as collaboration on social media campaigns and special events where greeting cards can bring more care through the soccer community.
Founded in 1910 and headquartered in Kansas City since its inception, Hallmark was ranked on Forbes’ list of America’s most reputable brands in 2018 and was also named Greeting Card Brand of the Year for the eighth year in a row.
Sporting Kansas City has reached the MLS Cup Playoffs for eight straight seasons, most recently securing a first-place finish in the Western Conference in 2018. Following a 3-0 victory over Deportivo Toluca FC on Thursday in the Concacaf Champions League, the club’s MLS home opener is set for March 10 at Children’s Mercy Park.