First Night $10,000 Short of Fundraising Goal

With just about two weeks before the big celebration, Pro Portsmouth continues to fundraise for First Night Portsmouth 2012

According to Pro Portsmouth Executive Director Barbara Massar, they remain shy of their $20,000 goal.

“We’re at $10,000 as of Wednesday morning,” noted Massar. “We are taking a leap of faith by signing contracts for the fireworks and ice sculpture in the hope that supporters and sponsors will continue to come forward. Pro Portsmouth is extremely grateful to those who have already stepped in and stepped up to support this event.”

For those who want to get involved in supporting First Night, shares in the event are still available. Shares not only benefit the event – the shareholder receives complimentary First Night buttons as well as print and website recognition.

Pro Portsmouth’s print deadline for its official program, produced by Foster’s Daily Democrat, is Tuesday, Dec. 20. And, if you’re having trouble purchasing a gift for the person who seems to have everything – have no fear - Pro Portsmouth has the answer: give them the gift of "fire and ice." By purchasing shares in First Night, you’ll be giving them a piece of the fireworks display and ice sculpture.

A new added benefit of supporting First Night Portsmouth is the “Show Us the Button” program. Shareholders and sponsors designate special deals on their products and services for a specific timeframe in 2012 for folks showing the business owner their First Night Portsmouth 2012.

“The feedback has been really good – we have hotels offering reduced room rates, restaurants offering specials like free appetizers with entrees and at least one yoga studio offering discounted classes and memberships.” Massar noted that this was an important way to reward supporters.

“We’ve devoted web pages to Food & Lodging, IT and Logistics partners and now we proudly note our “Show Us the Button” participants with links back to their own sites,” stated Massar. “We want our supporters to know that we’re all in this together. So this means that folks counting on the outdoor free attractions (the fireworks and ice sculpture) to draw people into town for the First Night weekend need to get involved. After all, Pro Portsmouth can’t charge people for gazing skyward at the fireworks display.”

It is worth noting that the financial success of First Night affects the overall financial health of Pro Portsmouth and its ability to produce their entire program of events. “Each of our events helps build a foundation for the next one on our calendar,” Massar stated. “We know all too well that a less than successful First Night will impact our ability to events like Children’s Day which is next on our program.”

Information regarding First Night shares and being a part of the Community Initiative for First Night is available at http://www.proportsmouth.org/shareholders.cfm or by calling 603-610-5521.

All First Night shareholders are recognized at: http://www.proportsmouth.org/shareholders.cfm and http://www.proportsmouth.org/showusthebutton.cfm

Submitted by Pro Portsmouth