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Mostly Cloudy RVC Conservancy has a spark of an idea
Newly formed group finds new ways to fund annual village fireworks
Local businesses will again be asked to support Rockville Centre's annual fireworks display, but this year they will have many more options under a plan that leaders of the newly established RVC Conservancy announced at a Chamber of Commerce meeting June 4.
According to the sponsorship plan, local businesses that advertise at the celebration will be able to select options ranging in price from $500 to $5,000. These include recognition in the RVC Conservancy's annual report and the chance to place signage in Centennial Park at Mill River on July 10, the night of the fireworks.
In years past, the July fireworks were sponsored by the village. But in a controversial budget-cutting move last year, funding for the display — which celebrates the village's anniversary — changed hands after the village pulled its financial support and threatened to cancel the event. The show was saved by a last-minute fundraising effort by residents and businesses.
The RVC Conservancy, established in November, is a nonprofit organization that aims to restore and preserve the village's parks and public spaces and to educate residents about them. The conservancy will organize this year's celebration, which will cost $25,000.
According to Chamber of Commerce President Larry Siegel, the Chamber has endorsed the sponsorship idea and is reaching out to business owners to participate. "Members were mailed a copy of the conservancy letter detailing the sponsorship opportunities," Siegel said. "It is now the individual businesses' choice as to whether or not they want to participate."
Conservancy leader Michael Shenker said he believes there will be a good deal of interest from local businesses. Because state budget cuts forced the cancellation of the annual July Fourth fireworks show at Jones Beach this year, turnout at the Rockville Centre fireworks a week later is expected to increase, potentially attracting more business participation.
"While it's too early to project how many businesses will become sponsors," Shenker said, "it looks like there will be a high response."
