I'm a big advocate of exploiting holidays and special events as self-storage marketing opportunities, and today I learned about another clever promotion being executed by a self-storage facility in Eustis, Fla. Monster Self Storage is hosting a "Monster Egg Hunt," a collaborative project with local art leagues that combines an Easter egg hunt and art exhibit to raise funds for school art departments.

Community artists and students from Eustis Middle and High Schools have been invited to submit entries of giant eggs made from all sorts of mediums.On April 4, community members will gather for an egg hunt and to help judges choose winners in multiple prize categories. Set up as a carnival affair, the event will raise funds through the sale of concessions and raffle tickets. Prizes have been donated by local businesses. Attendees can even participate in a Peep-eating contest (you know, those marshmallowy treats coated in sugar).

I love this kind of thing. There are few better ways to build inroads to your community than to host a special event that entwines fun with fundraising. Not only might the event draw potential customers, but your facility enters the spotlight as a neighborhood outreach center. Even if people don't rent with you immediately, they will remember who you are and likely refer you to others. Even the media can't resist public-service support for events of this nature. And let's face it ... the best kind of advertising is word-of-mouth, which is free.

My family of in-laws is visiting from Oregon this weekend, and the article about Monster Self Storage inspired me to organize a new activity: an Easter egg hunt for my 10-year-old nephew. I figure plastic eggs filled with peanut butter cups and jelly beans are good for at least an hour of distraction! And when he crashes from all that sugar, there'll be peace.

I want to hear about your spring special events. For example, Store Self Storage in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., just hosted a spring dress drive to collect prom dresses for underprivileged teen-agers. Chime into the blog and share your monster marketing ideas.