Undergraduate marketing students at The University of New Mexico (UNM) Anderson School of Management unveiled a new advertising campaign for Special Olympics New Mexico called “Be Santa For a Day.” The campaign is aimed at promoting participation in the Santa Shuffle 5K & Elf Scoot 1K, a fundraising event for the non-profit organization.

The launch is supported by an integrated marketing campaign featuring print, out of home and social media. The campaign was developed by students in the advertising campaigns class at the UNM Anderson School of Management.

“This project enables us to apply what we are learning in the classroom to a real-world marketing challenge, while supporting an important community group,” said Somi Phaybouth, senior marketing student.

The Santa Shuffle 5K & Elf Scoot 1K will take place at 9 a.m. on Dec. 2 at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum. Now in its second year, the event raises significant funds and awareness for Special Olympics New Mexico and brings the community together to celebrate the spirit of giving.

“Over 50 percent of the state’s intellectually disabled children and adults have no physical activity in their lives at all,” said Randy Mascorella, Executive Director, Special Olympics New Mexico. “They sit in isolation without ever being noticed. The Santa Shuffle and Elf Scoot have been created to help change that. The dollars we raise help to offer a sports experience to those who have never played on a team, worn a uniform, or celebrated an accomplishment.”

The registration fee is $30 for the 5K and $10 for the 1K. Participants in the 5K event receive a Santa hat, beard and finisher’s ornament. Elf Scoot participants get a T-shirt.

Individuals who cannot participate in person, but still want to make a gift, can register to be a Secret Santa. This option is $25 and allows participants to support Special Olympics New Mexico from the comfort of their own homes on race day.

To register for the event, visit besantaforaday.com. To learn more about the student campaign, follow the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

About The University of New Mexico Anderson School of Management
The Anderson School of Management at The University of New Mexico is dedicated to excellence in professional management education. At the Anderson School, faculty, staff, and students are committed to shaping the intellect and character of the next generation of business leaders, advancing the knowledge and practice of management, promoting economic development, and building a vibrant intellectual community that serves the highest and best interests of all our stakeholders.

Founded in 1947 and named for New Mexico oil man and longtime ARCO/Atlantic Richfield CEO Robert O. Anderson in 1974, the Anderson School offers more than a dozen concentrations at the BBA and MBA levels and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business in the top 20% of business schools in the nation. The School is funded by the State of New Mexico and further support is generated by the Anderson School of Management Foundation. For more information, the public can visit mgt.unm.edu, email info@mgt.unm.edu, or call (505) 277-6471.

About Special Olympics New Mexico
SONM provides year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities, giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community. Today, Special Olympics New Mexico serves over 3,300 athletes, offering training and competition in 12 sports.  Across the world, more than 3.5 million children and adults with intellectual disabilities participate in more than 200 programs in 180 countries. SONM is sponsored year-round and statewide by New Mexico Knights of Columbus, New Mexico Law Enforcement Torch Run, French Funerals & Cremations, Blake’s Lotaburger, Wells Fargo, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NM, Cumulus, Delta Dental, and 7-Eleven.