Winter Wonderfest brings holiday joy to local charities and businesses

When the anticipated Winter Wonderfest kicks off the holiday season Friday, Nov. 18, it's bringing more than just bright lights and carnival rides to the Lewes community.

"Winter Wonderfest is about opportunity," says Josh Grapski, local business owner and spokesperson for the nonprofit organization Festival of Cheer, Inc. "In addition to creating a unique community tradition, Winter Wonderfest is going to give families a fun and exciting way to make holiday memories here at the Delaware beaches." Moreover, he points out that Winter Wonderfest provides an opportunity to energize local organizations and businesses.

Grapski's company, La Vida Hospitality, is the co-presenting sponsor of Winter Wonderfest along with Schell Brothers of Rehoboth Beach. Both he and Schell's CEO Chris Schell are well known throughout Sussex County for their community support. "Fourth quarter is a critical time of year for every business owner, and we know that the additional traffic generated by this family-fun attraction will certainly bring many visitors into our area," notes Grapski whose businesses include the popular Crooked Hammock Brewery and Restaurant in Lewes, plus the award-winning restaurant Fork+Flask at Nage in Rehoboth, along with Big Chill Surf Cantina and Taco Reho food truck.

"We're happy to be welcoming Winter Wonderfest," says Betsy Reamer, president of the Lewes Chamber of Commerce. "It's such a unique event with so many benefits for families, visitors, businesses and charities. Year after year the impact of Winter Wonderfest can do more and more for Lewes."

There are a variety of ways local businesses can support Winter Wonderfest and raise their own visibility throughout the region. Peter Briccotto, producer for Winter Wonderfest, says "For as little as a $500 investment, a sponsor will benefit from extensive social media communication which has already begun, and will run throughout the entire event, sponsor recognition in print media, plus signage within the Light Spectacular show at Cape Henlopen State Park, plus two tickets to the VIP opening party. In addition, we have tremendous promotional support from radio and television stations throughout Delaware."

Other tiered sponsorship levels range from $1,000 to $10,000. Promotion and exposure increases commensurately with higher levels of support. Grapski points out that the Winter Wonderfest team is available to assist any sponsor, at any level, with ideas on how to promote their individual businesses based on their strategic needs.

Festival of Cheer Inc. activities are structured to raise awareness and funding for nonprofit organizations in Sussex County who focus on: health, education, culture and environment.

Carolynn Vogel, president of the Get Well Gabby Foundation, reports "We have nearly 1,000 runners in the area for our Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning! Winter Wonderfest gives our organization not just another opportunity to raise money for pediatric cancer patients in Sussex County, but gives our supporters an incredible opportunity to start a fun and new holiday tradition!"

"Our goal is that Winter Wonderfest will become a cherished family-centric institution in our community, and throughout the Mid-Atlantic region," says Grapski. Initial funding is slated to benefit Beebe Healthcare and Cape Henlopen Educational Foundation, along with providing grants for deserving nonprofit organizations based in, and providing service to, Sussex County.

Shaun Gines, community manager of Relay for Life, says "Collaborating with Winter Wonderfest is an invaluable opportunity to not only generate awareness for Relay for Life events from Delaware to the Eastern Shore, but it is the rare opportunity to encourage our participants to come together and create holiday memories with their Relay families!"

"Dashing through the Show" is Winter Wonderfest's grand opening event, a 5K Fun Run & Walk Friday, Nov. 18, sponsored by Beebe Healthcare. The event takes place at Cape Henlopen State Park with an opportunity for participants to see the 60 larger-than-life holiday light displays. "Bring your camera," smiles Briccotto, "it's perfect for taking fantastic selfies!"

In addition to the two-mile drive-through light show, there will also be a Winter Wonderfest Christmas Village at the Cape May Lewes Ferry Terminal featuring carnival rides and live musical entertainment happening through Jan 1, 2017.

Sponsorship opportunities, along with event listings, schedules and registration for the 5K, are online at www.WonderfestDE.org For more information call 302-727-0221.