Rare Complete 1994 Leaf/Donruss Media Kit

The above image shows both the front and back sides of the kit folder - each side 8-1/2"W x 11"H.
I wish I had the space to show you some of the neat interior images. As time goes by, and I get feedback on what to cut out, I'll try to publish those elements.

As noted on previous pages, this rare media kit contains a highly unusual promotion: Cut pieces of the photographic negatives, which were used in making the printing plates for the cards. (see below left image) I've never seen this type of promotion replicated by any manufacturer. Although in 1997, Pinnacle Brands (which owned Donruss/Leaf by that time) initiated the "Press Plate" gimmick, closely resembling this "cut negative" promotion.

The entire kit is made up of a dozen or so media Press Releases. Some stating the announced print run (a first for any manufacturer at the time), others announcing Big Frank as the Donruss/Leaf Spokesperson for the next two years, and still others from The Leaf Company's accountants who oversaw and officiated the production of the products. You'll note on the 'back' of the kit folder (seen above) there's actually a graph indicating what periods Leaf products would be released into the market, comparing themselves to sports publications and other monthlies geared toward young collectors such as 'Boy's Life' and 'Marvel Comics'.

Also among the press releases was a notation regarding the previous year's charitable card promotion (1993) and the $50,000 donation to The Leukemia Society Of America via The Big Hurt Foundation (see below right image). Today (2006) the foundation is known as The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of America and they could still use all the help you can provide. Join Big Frank in the fight!

Collector's Note: Along with the kit were the (now commonly seen) nine '94 Leaf Promo cards. But what's not commonly seen is that the Promos were inserted into a specially imprinted Donruss 9-Pocket Sheet. All in all, this was a very slick media campaign with a lot of dollars behind its production. Also note that the kit folder image is similar to, but not the same, as the one used for the '94 Leaf Boxes seen above. It's from the same photo shoot, but a different shot. And yet another image from the very same photo shoot was used for a 1994 issue of 'Trading Cards' magazine seen here.

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