Merrill Prom 2012 will be even more exciting for Jenna Klos of Gleason and her date. On March 1 she learned she was the winner of the “Picture Perfect Prom 2012” Giveaway sponsored by Photography by Tina and eight other area businesses. The giveaway was a collaborative effort and the brainstorm of Tina L. Scott, owner of Photography by Tina, designed to encourage Merrill prom goers to keep their business local when purchasing goods and services for prom-from their dresses and tuxes to making their dinner plans, buying their flowers, and everything in between.
The contest utilized viral marketing via social media as its sole means of promotion, encouraging area teens to read about the contest on Photography by Tina’s blog, to “Like” all the vendors’ Facebook pages, and to “Share” information about the contest on their own personal Facebook pages. Scott contacted local vendors to create a prize package worth $1,000 for one lucky winner, and they whole-heartedly embraced the idea.
Klos and her date will enjoy a prize package covering nearly every facet of the prom experience including: Limo transportation on prom day for the couple and their friends from Dream Come True Limousine Service; $50 off “his” tux rental at Satins Plus Silks; $50 off “her” prom dress purchase and a free garter to match the dress at Satins Plus Silks; a corsage (for her) and coordinating boutonniere (for him) to match the dress courtesy of Burman’s Floral and Gifts; a free haircut for him (two weeks before prom) and hair styling for her the day of the prom from Looks Unlimited; professional makeup application for her the day of the prom compliments of Beauty by V; a manicure for her the day before prom courtesy of Nails by Heather at Waves salon; dinner for two on prom day compliments of First Street Coffee Station; a Landstrom’s pendant set with Swarovski crystals courtesy of Klug’s Country Gold; and a premiere prom portrait session and Picture Perfect Prom Portrait Collection from Photography by Tina.
Klos was nearly speechless when she found out she won.
“That’s awesome! I’ve never won anything before!” she says. “I registered not thinking I was gonna win (and) now I’m so excited!”
Scott hopes other prom goers will support the local vendors who sponsored the prizes even if they didn’t win this year.
“We really have everything needed for prom right here in Merrill,” Scott says. “And in this difficult economy, it’s even more important than ever to shop local and support the small businesses that keep our community strong.”