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First Night celebration faces money crunch
Warrenton’s First Night celebrations, seen here from last year, face a serious funding shortfall that threatens to cancel the event. Times-Democrat file photo
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The clock is ticking. On Tuesday night, Peter Dunning, a member of First Night Warrenton’s organizing committee, delivered some bad news.
Fund raising efforts for the annual New Year’s Eve event have fallen woefully short, he said. Without additional help, organizers might have to cancel this year’s festivities.
“I’d say it’s a distinct possibility,” Dunning reiterated Wednesday.
He anticipates it will cost approximately $25,600 to host the alcohol-free family event this year.
The budget for entertainers is roughly $14,000 or 60 percent of total expenditures.
Dunning said organizers are counting on receiving approximately $12,000 in revenues from sponsorships, business and individual contributions in support of the event; $7,100 from button admissions; $5,000 from the Town of Warrenton; and $617 from the county to fund the event.
“Seven thousand dollars is a conservative estimate [for admissions] but it’s not conservative if there’s a snow storm,” Dunning said. “That and the fund raising [aspect] are the fragile parts.”
As of this week, Dunning said organizers have raised only $1,000. Without assistance, organizers are looking at a $4,000 to $7,000 funding shortfall . They are in the process of appealing to past supporters for help. They have also appealed to the county for a more generous donation, Dunning said.
County Administrator Paul McCulla confirmed Dunning approached the County Wednesday to request that it up its contribution to this event from $600 to $5,000.
“I am currently conferring with the Board [of Supervisors] members to determine whether the Board is willing to allocate the additional money. I hope to have an answer by Friday from Board members by Friday,” McCulla said.
Meanwhile, Mayor George Fitch asked Dunning to provide the town with best- and worst-case scenarios for both revenue and expenditures.
Fitch also asked Dunning to look at areas where expenses could be trimmed, including a reduction in the number of entertainers.
Given the different types of people who attend the event, that could be easier said than done, according to Councilman Roger Martella.
Dunning agreed to explore some options.
As of Wednesday, Dunning said the committee had approximately 30 performers that are willing to appear at First Night Warrenton. All of the performance sites have also been secured, he said. Volunteers are ready to work Dec. 31.
“We have moved ahead assuming the whole project was going to happen,” Dunning said. “Everything is in place. The only thing that hasn’t happened is the fund raising.”
Anyone who wants to help ensure this year’s event is held as plan can contact First Night Committee Chairman Ann Martella at (540) 341-0260; or Dunning at (540) 338-4640. Dunning can also be reached by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Fund raising efforts for the annual New Year’s Eve event have fallen woefully short, he said. Without additional help, organizers might have to cancel this year’s festivities.
“I’d say it’s a distinct possibility,” Dunning reiterated Wednesday.
He anticipates it will cost approximately $25,600 to host the alcohol-free family event this year.
The budget for entertainers is roughly $14,000 or 60 percent of total expenditures.
Dunning said organizers are counting on receiving approximately $12,000 in revenues from sponsorships, business and individual contributions in support of the event; $7,100 from button admissions; $5,000 from the Town of Warrenton; and $617 from the county to fund the event.
“Seven thousand dollars is a conservative estimate [for admissions] but it’s not conservative if there’s a snow storm,” Dunning said. “That and the fund raising [aspect] are the fragile parts.”
As of this week, Dunning said organizers have raised only $1,000. Without assistance, organizers are looking at a $4,000 to $7,000 funding shortfall . They are in the process of appealing to past supporters for help. They have also appealed to the county for a more generous donation, Dunning said.
County Administrator Paul McCulla confirmed Dunning approached the County Wednesday to request that it up its contribution to this event from $600 to $5,000.
“I am currently conferring with the Board [of Supervisors] members to determine whether the Board is willing to allocate the additional money. I hope to have an answer by Friday from Board members by Friday,” McCulla said.
Meanwhile, Mayor George Fitch asked Dunning to provide the town with best- and worst-case scenarios for both revenue and expenditures.
Fitch also asked Dunning to look at areas where expenses could be trimmed, including a reduction in the number of entertainers.
Given the different types of people who attend the event, that could be easier said than done, according to Councilman Roger Martella.
Dunning agreed to explore some options.
As of Wednesday, Dunning said the committee had approximately 30 performers that are willing to appear at First Night Warrenton. All of the performance sites have also been secured, he said. Volunteers are ready to work Dec. 31.
“We have moved ahead assuming the whole project was going to happen,” Dunning said. “Everything is in place. The only thing that hasn’t happened is the fund raising.”
Anyone who wants to help ensure this year’s event is held as plan can contact First Night Committee Chairman Ann Martella at (540) 341-0260; or Dunning at (540) 338-4640. Dunning can also be reached by email at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
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