Festival of Cheer launches new grant program
The promise of a brighter future for Sussex County is coming true thanks to the Festival of Cheer Fund/Community Grant Program for Sussex County nonprofit organizations.
"This really shows what can happen when a community comes together," says John Snow, president of Festival of Cheer Inc., the nonprofit organization responsible for Winter Wonderfest, which drew over 47,000 visitors to its community holiday events. "An unprecedented turnout," says Snow, who says festival goers for the first-year event surpassed the attendance goal of 30,000.
The result is good news for local nonprofit agencies. Of the $150,000 raised from Winter Wonderfest's eight weeks of holiday festivities, Festival of Cheer has already donated $28,000 to Delaware State Parks which manages Cape Henlopen State Park. The state park is the site of the Light Spectacular which featured a drive-thru tour of 60 holiday light displays. Park officials indicate the funds will be used for capital projects that will enhance enjoyment of the park.
Also, Cape Henlopen Educational Fund has received a $16,000 donation. The nonprofit organization hosted holiday workshops for children of all ages at the Winter Wonderfest Christmas Village located at the Lewes Ferry Terminal. CHEF's Alyssa Titus says the funding supports classroom projects directly benefitting students.
"But most of all we're excited that we've met our goal to establish a fund of $50,000 to help local charities. Specifically those whose work benefits culture, education, the environment and health for people residing in, or visiting, Sussex County," says Peter Briccotto, executive producer for Winter Wonderfest.
"This really contributes to other nonprofit organizations that make our area a special place," says Scott Thomas, executive director of Southern Delaware Tourism. "The Festival of Cheer's Community Grant Program can go a long way to spotlight the many excellent charitable causes throughout Sussex County. I encourage these nonprofit groups to take advantage of the program and apply for a grant."
"We're making the application process for grants as simple as possible," says Snow. During the month of April, nonprofit organizations that meet the criteria can download the application, and submit their request by April 30. Qualified nonprofit groups are required to operate in Sussex County. Additionally, awards for capital improvements/equipment purchases requested by the organization must be for locations within Sussex County.
What influences the selection process? "We're not concerned with the size of the organizations who apply," says Brittany Danahy, first vice president of Festival of Cheer. "We're looking for nonprofits that provide a genuinely positive impact on the community."
With respect to the 2017 Winter Wonderfest, Josh Grapski, treasurer for Festival of Cheer, says the remaining proceeds from 2016 will support the event's growth for 2017. "We've listened to the input from our community and agree that Winter Wonderfest needs to grow each year, becoming bigger and brighter with more holiday festivities to attract even more visitors. Some of the goals for this year's festival include 50 percent more holiday light displays, a real-ice bayside skating rink in addition to the existing kid-friendly i-rink, plus an enclosed, heated Hospitality Lodge.”
Applications for Festival of Cheer Fund/Community Grant Program are available at. www.festivalofcheer.org. Grant awards from Festival of Cheer will be announced at a special Christmas In July reception for recipients hosted by the group's board of directors for 2017: Snow, Danahy, Hank Rosenberg, Grapski, Amy Mault and DeeDee Montgomery.
"We're anticipating awarding at least 10 grants, possibly more," says Briccotto. "We're delivering on our promise to build a brighter future for Sussex County by creating an impact for those who need it most. Every dollar we've raised stays right here in Sussex County."
