City of Utica (First Edition)
(United States of America)

This is how the concept for the Utica version was created as per their Executive Director:

Jeana Nicotera, Brand Consultant with the Cooley Group, called me in late April with "the best idea she's ever had!" The concept was creation of a custom City of Utica Monopoly Board to develop as a pride piece for the city we both love coupled with a structure that would allow it to be a fundraiser for Abraham House. I'm the Executive Director of Abraham House, celebrating our 20th year serving those facing terminally illness in our community free of financial burden. Although we don't charge our guests and families, it costs money for our organization to continue running. We survive essentially due to the generosity of community financial donations and support for our fundraisers.

As the ideas evolved, we reached out to Hasbro and Parker Brothers and we were told they only produce about 7 custom game boards per year nationwide. We were asked to submit a narrative of what makes Utica unique, historical, and deserving of such an honor.

Gail Manfredo heard about the project and immediately volunteered to help us. The 2 Gina/Jeanas and Gail devised a plan of attack. In May, we began to approach the businesses and organizations that we envisioned being on the board itself. It took only 3 and a half weeks to sell the properties as the Monopoly madness was contagious! All those involved paid for being involved in this project which covered the production costs for 5,000 boards, which Abraham House can now sell as a fundraiser at 100% profit!

The Moving Pieces are:
• Trax the Moose for Utica College - sponsored by Capraro Technologies Inc
• Audi the Comets mascot
• It's a Utica Thing food truck
• Money Bag - sponsored by M Griffith
• Dog - sponsored by Cooley Group for Stevens Swan Humane Society
• Library Book - sponsored by Martha and Richard Widdicombe for Utica Public Library

Please visit their website and see what they do for the City of Utica and the surrounding area.

© USAopoly

Year: 2018 - Code: US-PR/201810/1810