While the Kiwanis and Lions Club have only secured sponsors for the Strawberry Festival the last few years, they have previously run the event with funds were raised through ticket and concession sales.
"Last year we raised more than 20,000 in sponsorship," said Seth Meyerowitz, a Kiwanis member in charge of corporate fundraising for the event. "The most ever before that was about 2,500."
First time sponsor, Patch.com, of which Bellmore Patch is a part of, is a Bronze sponsor this year.
"Patch is proud to be a sponsor of the Nassau County Strawberry Festival," Long Island Regional Publisher Jennifer Tinghitella said. "We see the event as a great opportunity to get involved with the community, build Patch awareness and have some fun."
Last year Alure Home Improvements was the title sponsor and Built Well Solar was a green sponsors for the Green Expo. Both are returning this year as sponsors, as is Renewal By Andersen.
According to Nancy Hiler, communications director for Built Well Solar, it is "extremely important for us to support everything positive in this area."
"The festival enables us to get the word out to a wider audience about the viability and affordability of solar energy, and we have fun in the process," Hiler added.
As they did last year, Built Well will be giving out biodegradable yellow balloons and raffling off a "green" prize.
"This year we are also offering a Strawberry Special solar energy system, a special price for all Strawberry Festival visitors on solar-electric for their homes," she added. "We'll also have a few solar demonstration items, and a few other surprises."
Hiler said the company thinks it's important to sponsor such a community event because of their ties to the Bellmore community.
"The founder of our company grew up in Bellmore, several employees live here, and we are proud members of the Chamber of Commerce of the Bellmores, so this festival is just a natural for us," she added. "Plus, you can't ask for anything much more positive than to support the event's fabulous non-profit sponsors - our local Kiwanis and Lions Clubs."
Lindsey Wolkoff, senior events coordinator for Alure added that "supporting the community" has always been an "important focus" for the company.
This is the second year Alure has been a sponsor of the Strawberry Festival since they implemented the Green Expo.
"We get the opportunity to meet and talk to Long Island homeowners and discuss how we can help build their dreams and make environmentally friendly decisions when it comes to their remodeling needs," Wolkoff added.
Other sponsors include: Bronze Sponsors 7-Eleven and Slurpee, Verizon FiOs, Snapple and Patch.com, Green Expo Sponsors (Title) Alure Home Improvements, Renewal By Andersen and Built Well Solar. Media Sponsors Long Island Herald and Star Publishing Group.
