‘Spirit of the Fourth’ lands title sponsor
The Spirit of the Fourth committee is using a new way to raise the $70,000 needed for Rancho Bernardo’s July 4 celebration — corporate sponsorships.
Ashford University in Sabre Springs recently signed on as the 41st annual community event’s title sponsor.
“Ashford University is pleased to support the community of Rancho Bernardo in its celebration of the honor and service of our wounded warriors,” said Kenneth Haight, Ashford’s vice president of military and corporate development.
“Together, we recognize that we must acknowledge that our freedom is not free and take the opportunity to recognize those who have given selflessly in our nation’s defense,” Haight said.
While Spirit of the Fourth President Steve DeMatteo said he could not reveal the amount Ashford is donating, the organization’s solicitation letter sent to potential sponsors earlier this year lists the “title sponsor” level at $10,000.
Its other levels are “stars” at $5,000, “stripes” at $3,000 and “liberty” at $2,000.
DeMatteo said the amount to receive these designations — and accompanying perks, such as advertising and VIP tickets — does not have to come solely in cash, as “in kind” contributions can also make a donor eligible for a particular sponsorship level.
This fundraising tool will hopefully account for at least 25 percent of the total needed, DeMatteo said.
The group is also using its traditional forms of fundraising, including applying for grants, selling program advertisements, the Freedom Club (a designation for those who contribute at least $125) and cash donations of any size.
“We received a $3 donation in the form of a check from a nice old man in the 92128 ZIP code, a handful of $5 and $10 and a bunch of $25 (donations),” DeMatteo said.
A fundraising event for late May is tentatively in the works as well.
For the second year, a “suggested donation” will be requested when people come to Bernardo Heights Middle School to watch the fireworks show.
DeMatteo said the amount will probably be $5 per person or $10 per family.
“(The request) went over really well and people have been very generous,” DeMatteo said of the fundraising method employed for the first time last year.
At previous fireworks shows, where admission was free, a donation bucket was placed at the exit.
Last year’s donors should also be receiving a donation solicitation letter in the mail this week, DeMatteo said.
Depending on how fundraising goes over the next month, the committee will decide if it should incur the expense of another letter sent to all Rancho Bernardans.
DeMatteo said the committee is exploring various ways to raise the needed money since it anticipates grants — especially from government entities — will be down.
“We don’t expect anything from the city this year and a reduced grant from (the county supervisors),” he said.
Donations are also being accepted via credit card and PayPal on the group’s Web site, www.spiritofthefourth.org.
DeMatteo said the bulk of donations need to be received by June 1 in order for organizers to “have a handle on the finances.”
He said they are planning on expanding the community fair held in the morning and early afternoon in Webb Park, as well as holding the traditional parade before the musical entertainment and fireworks show that conclude the festivities.
Those who would like to contribute or volunteer to help with any of the activities can contact DeMatteo at spiritofthefourth@gmail.com or 858-943-1242.
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