Baby, Come Back ...

St. Labre Indian School has two note card offers that I've received several times. I love the copy and creative execution in both.

In the first, the cover of the card is personalized and formatted like a certificate. It reads, "Mr. Curtis Yarlott joins the Board of Directors of St. Labre Indian School in recognizing Kimberly Seville as a True Friend and Patron of the Indian Children of St. Labre since 2001."

Inside, on the top panel in realistically sized, simulated blue handwriting, it says, "Please allow me the honor of doing something special for you, Kimberly." A second paragraph offers an envelope for my prayer requests. "It's the least I can do for such an important friend as you."

A typed, personalized note on the bottom half of the card begins, "Anniversaries are important milestones. Realizing it's been more than a year since you last shared a gift with St. Labre, I felt you deserved special recognition." The rest of the note is classic renewal language but gentle in tone and completely consistent with this outstanding donor-centric copy.

The design, printing and production on St. Labre's second note card reinstatement effort are so well-done it makes all the others pale in comparison. If there's a willing suspension of disbelief with direct mail like there is in the theater, there's no need for it with this package — it's that good.

The note is plain, white card stock, nothing special, with St. Labre's "help keep the miracle alive" logo on the cover in black. Inside, a nonpersonalized message is printed on the bottom half of the card in blue ink. It's a precise reproduction of genuine handwriting that's stunning in its realism:

"Thank you again for sharing what you can with the Indian children here at St. Labre. Every dollar you contribute really does make a difference! Even if things get 'tight' and you find yourself unable to share a gift, remember you will always remain in our thoughts and prayers. When the time is right, I know you will again share your blessings. Until then, don't forget to send me any requests the children and I can include in our 
prayers for you!" — signed simply, "Curtis."