2009 New Year’s Fest Sponsors

Foundations and sponsors are the lifeline of New Year’s Fest. Offering the button admission price of $5 requires financial support of nearly $55,000 to pay for the cost of the event. Through the generous support of the three local foundations, New Year’s Fest is now affordable to families and young adults. The admission fee only pays for about 20% of the cost of the event. Maple Hill Auto Group has been a sponsor for over 10 years and their continued support has made it possible to bring unique entertainment, include the continued emphasis on programming for teens. Maintaining a commitment to fresh entertainment is always a bit challenging especially when confined by a budget that depends on donations, sponsorships, and button sales. As a nonprofit and independent board, the New Year’s Fest Board of Directors depends on local foundations, sponsors, and individual donors to financially support the event. And, each year, the community does just that.

The Fireworks, which have been in operation for nearly 22 years, have become one of the benchmark activities for New Year’s Fest. Tradition builds expectation and the midnight signal of a new year is Kalamazoo’s New Year’s Eve custom. Edward Jones for two years has supported that event through their sponsorship. A long standing sponsor, for over 10 years is Bronson Heathcare Group and they have been a performance sponsor helping to support the entertainment. And, new this year, MAVCON Construction and Development has become a significant partner through their financial support of the new ball drop.

The foundations of Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, Dorothy Dalton Foundation and Harold and Grace Upjohn combined support more than 50% of the New Year’s Fest budget. Their combined gift truly makes New Year’s Fest a reality each year. Literally, the event would not happen without their significant support.

Hardings Market, through the support of the corporate partners, has been a major partner with New Year’s Fest since the first year of operation. The provision of now 17 button locations is a significant contribution to New Year’s Fest and the ability to provide advanced sale buttons. The individual grocery stores agree to sell the buttons, distribute information, and provide easy admission sales access for fest attendees.

2009 Performance Sponsors

Foundations Dorothy U. Dalton Foundation, Harold and Grace Upjohn Foundation  Irving S. Gilmore Foundation	Presenting Sponsor Maple Hill Auto Group
	Fireworks Sponsors: Edward Jones
Performance Sponsors: 106.5 WVFM 1560/95.5 The Touch 590 WKZO Bronson Healthcare Group Direct Air Discover Kalamazoo Harding’s Market and Marketplace Kalamazoo Gazette Life EMS Ball Drop Sponsor MAVCON Construction and Development	T-Shirt Sponsors B& L Bolt Co. Meyer C Weiner Company Kalamazoo Education Association Imperial Beverage Lewis, Reed & Allen P.C Knapp Energy Rathco Safety Supply Park Sponsors: Comerica Kalamazoo Education Association Birch River Group Schupan and Son’s Inc
In-Kind Sponsors: Adams Outdoor Advertising Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo Bimbo’s Pizza Bronson Park Churches Consort Group Downtown Kalamazoo, Inc. First Baptist Church First Congregational Church First Presbyterian Church First United Methodist Church Full City Cafe	Kalamazoo County Explorers Post Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department – Mounted Posse Kalamazoo Institute of Arts Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program Kalamazoo Public Library Kalamazoo Shopper Residence Inn St. Luke’s Episcopal Church The Epic Center Waste Management of Michigan WWMT

Direct Air and FM 106.5 are proud to sponsor
Kalamazoo's 24th annual New Year's Fest New Year's Eve.

Direct Air, Kalamazoo's ONLY low-cost, direct air service to Florida, invites you to register for a drawing to win a round trip air certificate for a family of 4 OR a round trip air certificate for two to sunny Florida, tickets provided by Direct Air, serving Orlando/Sanford and Punta Gorda/Fort Myers from the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport!
And, remember to bring the family to New Year's Fest New Year's Eve in downtown Kalamazoo!

Registration ends when the ball drops in downtown Kalamazoo New Year's Eve. Winners announced on the FM 106.5 Morning Show Monday, January 4, 2010!