One by One
Plane Wellness, Recipient

Plane Wellness

Ford City, Pennsylvania

Branded event bags become a powerful fundraising tool

Plane Wellness has a simple mission: to improve mental wellness through woodworking. Founder and president Jamie Harpster, who has studied and worked in mental health, learned about the therapeutic benefits of woodworking after taking up the hobby as an adult. In 2023, he launched the nonprofit to combine these passions—mental wellness and woodworking—for the benefit of others.

“The whole idea behind this is hobbies can improve wellness,” Harpster said. “I’ve been in the mental health field since 2014 and there’s not a focus on helping people find hobbies. But making sure they’re involved in something—especially where they’re engaging with others—can really make a difference.”

Building something special

Plane Wellness offers free in-person and virtual woodworking courses for adults with a mental health diagnosis or physical disability, including veterans with a disability rating assigned by the Department of Veterans Affairs. The organization’s education and community-building classes have drawn individuals worldwide, from across the United States to Ireland to Australia and New Zealand.

“I’m personally diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), and I’ve realized how peaceful woodworking is for me,” Harpster said. “It helps my mind slow down, it helps me be in the moment.” Beyond the meditative, hands-on work, hobbies like woodworking can help people find a sense of community and belonging.

Branded event bags boost the brand

In July, Plane Wellness hosted its inaugural Hand Tool Haven, a fundraising tool show. Harpster partnered with a variety of corporate sponsors and tool-making communities for the event that welcomed about 300 participants. Ticket sales, raffles and silent auctions raised more than $7,000 for the cause.

A one by one grant provided branded event bags, which were offered as an early registration incentive and sold at the show. Attendees could use the tote bags to hold tools they purchased during the event and keep them as a souvenir after. Overall, Hand Tool Haven was a success, so much so that next year Harpster is planning to expand to a larger outdoor venue and make it a two-day event.

A note from Cheryl

Plane Wellness has helped hundreds of people from around the world come together around a common interest. It was an honor to support its fundraising efforts by providing branded event bags. If you’re interested in a one by one grant, visit onebyone.4imprint.com.

For more information about Plane Wellness, please visit https://planewellness.org/

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