NBA Generates Publicity for the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation

Author: Katie Maxfield, December 16th, 2008

The Dikembe Mutombo Foundation (DMF) is working to alleviate the suffering of millions in the Congo, and thanks to a strategic partnership with mGive, supporters can help by texting CONGO to 90999. Doing so sends a $5 donation that goes “directly to those who are battling to stay alive,” says Dikembe Mutombo, Chairman and President of the DMF. As with all mGive clients, the partnership will allow the DMF to enhance its fundraising by tapping into the mobile giving channel. Mutombo is excited about what mobile can bring to his organization: “This new technology will allow the Dikembe Mutombo Foundation to connect with constituents, acquire new donors, and dramatically extend our overall reach.” He believes that his organization’s campaign will be successful because it enables individuals to instantly react to fundraising appeals through use of their mobile phones.

Mutombo, considering a possible return to the NBA, is receiving a great deal of publicity within the league. Acting as an advocate for the Congolese people, Mutombo is harnessing this publicity to generate awareness about his foundation’s mission and vision. NBA Cares, the league’s social responsibility initiative, has recognized the DMF in two separate articles that highlight its recently launched mobile giving campaign and encourage readers to donate $5 by texting CONGO to 90999. The organization itself has created a short video to promote its mobile giving campaign, in addition to other promotional efforts. The video is currently showing on NBA TV, along with other NBA videos and highlights. [Video]

In addition to texting CONGO to 90999, supporters of the DMF can donate $5 on the web by entering their mobile number at dmf.mGive.com.

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