Rockville Centre Conservancy hits its goal

With help from local businesses and generous individuals alike, the Rockville Centre Conservancy has gathered the necessary $25,000 for the village's annual fireworks celebration at Mill River/Centennial Park on July 10.

This is the first year that the RVC Conservancy, a non-profit organization, has been in charge of funding for the event.

“A great number of Rockville Centre businesses participated in the sponsorship opportunities,” said Conservancy leader Mike Shenker. “Also, individuals who had not contributed in past years are now contributors this year.”

The event, which features a concert by the South Shore Symphony followed by a Grucci fireworks extravaganza, was in jeopardy of being cancelled last year to due budget cuts. Since the RVC Conservancy took over funding, a new system to solicit sponsorship for the 2010 event was devised. Interested businesses were able to choose their contributions from a range of price levels this year. In exchange, they received special advertising perks at the celebration.

Details for a marketplace, where local vendors and individuals can sell their wares, are currently being worked out between the Conservancy and the Chamber of Commerce. While not definite, the marketplace still has a chance of being a component of the celebration.