Who We Are
Relief Communications, LLC was founded in 2001 to provide comprehensive communications services to the non-profit sector. Relief Communications can provide a broad range of capabilities tailored to meet specific client needs in media relations, marketing strategies, or communications planning. Clients have ranged from AIDS Fund to the Natural Lands Trust, from Elfreth’s Alley to Valley Forge National Historic Park, from Eastern State Penitentiary to the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance. Cari Feiler Bender, president and founder of Relief Communications, LLC, applies nearly 20 years of experience in conceptualizing, managing, and implementing communications projects for non-profit organizations. A few examples include:
- Directing all public relations efforts to launch Historic Philadelphia, Inc.’s $10 million tourism initiative, Once Upon A Nation, which debuted Summer 2005 in Philadelphia’s historic district, continued with the opening (and ongoing operation) of Franklin Square in July 2006 and SquareBurger in 2009, and launched the re-imagined Lights of Liberty.
- Conducting all media relations and public relations initiatives for the renowned Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, including the Royal Visit of Prince Charles and Camilla in 2007. Since 2006, the Mural Arts Program has been in numerous national and international outlets, with feature pieces in TIME Magazine, Good Morning America, The Wall Street Journal, New York Times, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, Associated Press, and Reuters News Service.
- Coordinating development and implementation of all communications strategies for AIDS Fund since 2005, including promotion of Black-Tie GayBINGO and AIDS Walk Philly.
- Creating strategic communications plans for a variety of organizations such as Independence National Historical Park, Natural Lands Trust, Valley Forge National Historical Park, Living Beyond Breast Cancer, Historical Society of Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia VIP.
- Directing all press relations and marketing strategies for three city-wide festivals – two Millennium Philadelphia celebrations and one season of Sunoco Welcome America! – including working with media to promote and cover all events and planning and pitching press conferences.
In projects such as these, Relief Communications, LLC has earned a reputation for thorough organization and meticulous attention to detail. Cari has proven her versatility and ability to accomplish the best communications programs possible within any budget. For each individual client, Relief Communications, LLC offers a special dimension of personalized service. While developing and maintaining a constituency through public relations, Cari carefully designs and thoroughly executes every project.
Through her work with numerous not-for-profits as staff, volunteer, and consultant, Cari has a unique perspective on their needs. Her past positions include directing public relations, marketing, and events for Millennium Philadelphia, Welcome America Inc., WOMEN’S WAY, and Philadelphia Theatre Company. Current community service includes volunteering with The Career Wardrobe and the Philadelphia Public Relations Association. She served for three years as Chair of the Board for InterAct Theatre Company, as well as six years on its Board, and chaired its 20th Anniversary in 2008. In addition, she has co-chaired several special event committees for The Career Wardrobe and now sits on its Advisory Board. Other past involvement includes the Philadelphia Cultural Fund, Young Women’s Initiative Advisory Committee for WOMEN’S WAY, Philadelphia Theatre Company, and Board Member for the Women’s Theatre Festival. Cari holds a B.A. in English from the University of Pennsylvania.
Photos by Cari Feiler Bender, Miles Kennedy for HPI, Jack Ramsdale for Mural Arts Program, and Bob Krist for GPTMC.
Designed by Tetra Strategic Communications
Produced by Envision Solutions, Inc.