The Downtown Bellingham Partnership and The Unity Group have
announced a critical new sponsorship agreement for the final performance of the
2012 Downtown Sounds Concert Series. When the former sponsor for the last
concert backed out in July, the Partnership was faced with a number of options,
including possibly canceling the show. Fortunately, The Unity Group
stepped in and offered to sponsor the concert.
The concert series relies heavily on businesses to pay for the
cost of the bands. Without sponsorship
and support from local businesses, the Downtown Bellingham Partnership can't
offer the concerts for free. "I think Downtown Sounds helps build a strong
downtown community. By offering a series of free summer concerts, it benefits
local businesses, community groups, downtown residents and visitors,"
explains Rob Camandona, Executive Director for The Downtown Bellingham
Partnership. "It's hard to express the gratitude we have for The Unity
Group's generosity towards the concert series as well as to downtown in
general."
The Unity Group is no stranger to supporting their community. "Part of The
Unity Group's mission is to invest in the success of our community. We value
what the Downtown Bellingham Partnership does for local businesses and
residents, so when Rob approached us with this opportunity to help, it seemed
like a perfect fit," explains Robb Dale, CEO of The Unity Group.
The final concert of the 2012 season, will be on August 8th
and is expected to be the biggest show in the series, drawing the most people
due to the popularity of the band and the announcement of the grand prize
raffle winners. Bay Street in Bellingham will be transformed into a large
public space, which was recently ranked #8 in the list of the top 100 public
spaces in the US and Canada. The space allows the Partnership to offer
a unique venue for the public to enjoy a free outdoor concert.