Corporate Sponsors Respond to the Call to Fund Yonkers Riverfest

Online, September 8, 2009 (Newswire.com) - In spite of municipal budget cutbacks, sponsorships by the corporate community will make it possible for the Yonkers Downtown Waterfront Business Improvement District to present the 17th Annual Yonkers Riverfest-a day of free entertainment on Saturday, September 12. The event is expected to attract about 30,000 visitors from throughout Westchester and the surrounding metro area.

Steve Sansone, Yonkers Downtown BID Executive Director, said that commitments from corporate sponsors that have previously supported Yonkers Riverfest and the addition of new ones will make "it possible for us to stage an exciting array of entertainment and amusements as in prior years." He added: "We are heartened by the strong show of support from sponsors especially during these difficult economic times when municipalities throughout the nation have been forced to make cuts in services and programs to close their budget gaps."

Sansone noted that in prior years, Yonkers Riverfest was primarily funded by the City of Yonkers with additional support from corporate sponsors. Yonkers has been forced to examine its support for community parades and festivals because of the economy and reduced its financial support for Yonkers Riverfest.

New Yonkers Riverfest sponsors include Regency Extended Care, the region's largest nursing facility with 315 beds located at 65 Warburton Avenue and Peter Kelly's X20, the five-star restaurant on the Yonkers Waterfront.

Regency CEO Alex Sagdak said that the nursing home had been an integral part of the Yonkers community for the past 16 years. "During these tough economic times when a number of public events have been cut, we wanted to make a contribution to help assure Yonkers Riverfest is again presented for the enjoyment of so many people."

Mr. Kelly, who is a native of Yonkers, stated: "Anything like the very popular Yonkers Riverfest that brings people to discover the Yonkers Waterfront is a win for everyone. We are happy to be part of it."

In addition to new sponsors, many past companies renewed their support for the event. Peter Klein, Vice-Chairman of the BID and one of Riverfest organizers sees the value

"Despite the economic challenges facing companies today, firms see the importance of staying connected to their community," said Klein, who is a Vice-President of Development at Fidelco Realty Group. "Consumers will remember the companies that stayed involved as things improve."

James J. Landy, President and CEO of Hudson Valley Bank, said: "As Yonkers' local, hometown bank, Hudson Valley is proud to be a longtime sponsor of
Yonkers Riverfest. At Hudson Valley, we pride ourselves on our involvement in and for the community. Riverfest is a great event that benefits the entire community and the City."

Another continuing Yonkers Riverfest supporter is Collins Enterprises, LLC, which developed Hudson Park, the luxury apartment complex along the Hudson River.

Dwight Collins stated: "Collins supports the Yonkers Riverfest every year because the event basks every attendee in the natural beauty of the Hudson River while ambling along the spectacular Yonkers waterfront. The Yonkers Riverfest location is the starting point for the Yonkers revitalization and shows the dramatic progress that has been made and gives us hope for the promise of at lies ahead for this great city."

Joseph Apicella, Executive Vice President, Cappelli Enterprises, said: "We are committed to Yonkers downtown waterfront remaining a vibrant place to work, live, shop and visit. Supporting Yonkers Riverfest is one of the ways to keep that commitment. We encourage other businesses to join us in supporting this annual free event for the community."

To learn more about Yonkers Riverfest sponsorship opportunities, call Steve Sansone at (914) 969-6660.