(Left to right) Jayson Parker and Tatum Parker receive a $30,000 grant from Fat Atom’s Jen Fox and Todd Muffler to cover a year of marketing services for the four year-old nonprofit.

After giving gifts to more than one thousand sick children, Tatum’s Bags of Fun is on the receiving end this time and the gift is a whopper! The non-profit organization that gives children diagnosed with cancer backpacks full of fun has received a $30,000 grant from Fat Atom Marketing which will cover the cost of marketing services, including branding, web development, graphic design and consulting.

Tatum’s Bags of Fun was founded in 2008 by Jayson Parker, who named the organization after his daughter, Tatum, an 11-year old two-time cancer survivor. The charity distributes backpacks filled with toys, games and other activities to every child diagnosed with cancer in Indiana. In 2011, Tatum delivered 284 bags packed with over $350 worth of goodies, including electronics like an iPod Touch or Nintendo DSi. Recently, the charity gave away its thousandth backpack full of smiles and laughter.

“We are a small operation and work out of our home. We rely heavily on volunteers and spend a lot of time on fundraising so we can purchase new items for the backpacks” said Parker, CEO of Tatum’s Bags of Fun. “We are thrilled to have this opportunity to boost awareness. Our objective is to build a larger network of support, increase donor base and develop a marketing plan so we can reach more people, spread the word about Tatum’s Bags of Fun and help more kids by expanding to other states.” According to Parker, they have about 450 Likes on their Facebook page and a Twitter account encouraging the kids to stay strong. But, he would like to grow the social media and expand Tatum’s reach.

“Tatum’s is a great organization and a good fit for us,” said Jen Fox, team leader of
Team Fusion at Fat Atom Marketing and CPR. “They need branding, website improvement and help with marketing and volunteer recruitment. In the time we have,
we should be able to do a lot of good. Tatum’s Bags of Fun is a charity that all
of Fat Atom is passionate about.” The year-long grant runs until April of 2013.

Fat Atom’s CPR program, which stands for Community Philanthropic Resource, was created as a way for Fat Atom’s employees to be a part of the community while also flexing their marketing and creative muscles. In order to be eligible for CPR, an organization must be a tax-exempt and focused on serving within Indiana and be community based. Several companies applied but ultimately Tatum’s won out.

Parker was inspired to take action after his daughter received a similar bag during her first cancer fight when she was six years old. “It’s a gesture to remind kids they’re still kids,” said Parker. In addition to raising awareness he hopes a more focused marketing approach will encourage companies to sponsor their annual events, The Bull Run and The White Party. “Recently, Towne Meadow Elementary asked students to raise money for Tatum’s charity. It’s wonderful to see the schools get involved and shows the power of children.”

Learn more about Tatum’s Bags of Fun at their website http://tatums.bagsoffun.org/
Be sure to Friend the charity on Facebook!
Contact Jayson Parker at jayson@bagsoffun.org

Tatum’s Bags of Fun
PO Box 90290
Indianapolis, Indiana 46290