KW: Thank you for coming out to have an interview with us. Can you tell us a bit about your project?
Cecil2016: By now you all should have heard about Cecil the Lion who was killed by Minnesota Dentist, Walter Palmer. We are a coalition of non profits, animal activists, artists, writers, and animal lovers from all corners of the world wanting to make a statement that trophy hunting must end. The death of Cecil the Lion has awaken the world to the horrors of trophy hunting and we are bringing together 20,000 people to rally at Washington DC July 2016 to tell the world that there is something to be done and it starts with making a commitment to do something against trophy hunting big or small. We plan to shake up the government and embassies to let them know that trophy hunting is no longer acceptable and the must do their part to stop this cruel practice.
KW: Wow, that's a very exciting mission and goal you are aiming for. For such a large rally, how are you working to put it all together?
Cecil2016: We have a powerhouse team of organizers from a diverse background from event planners to project managers, web developers, naturalists, artists, publicists, students, teachers and hundreds of volunteers who are planning on our facebook. We also have a panel of advisors who are influencers in their areas from academics to activists, environmentalists and rangers out in the field we are consulting for expert advices. We have reached out to ethical companies like Delta Airlines to be sponsors and celebrities like Bob Barker to have them come out and show their support. we are expecting an exciting and a life changing rally this July 2016. We know this rally will be the first of its kind with the degree of organization we are committing.
KW: That's a lot of people you have on board. tell us about the Rally.org crowdfunding page.
Cecil2016: To put on a massive rally, we need to pay for permitting costs (which we've covered last week), sound systems, stage installation, porta potties and many other things. We are trusting that the animal lover community will step up and help with the costs. This is the first time DC will have an animal based march and we want this to be epic and invite all animal lovers to contribute to this campaign. Wildlife conservation is a big topic as endangered animals like elephants, rhinos and lions are being killed at unprecedented rates. With the world becoming a more connected place, more and more people are demanding animal trophies paying thousands per piece. While there are park rangers who are dedicating their lives protecting animals, their presence is just not enough. With a stronger awareness on this issue, the organizers of this rally hopes to put an end to trophy hunting.
KW: What is your marketing plan? how are you getting the word out to everyone?
Cecil2016: As of now our current marketing plan consists of building partnership with other non profits and working out a deal to get the word out on to their mailing lists. we've also sponsored a few groups to get the ball rolling. We the trusting to public to step and make the historic rally possible.
Thank you for your time. We do wish you the best at your fundraising.
You can find out more about Cecil2016 at:
www.cecil2016.com
You can support Cecil2016 at:
https://rally.org/cecil2016