20 Things You May Not Know About Westben Sponsors

by Donna Bennett, Co Founder with inspiration by Westben's Business Manager and Sponsor Coordinator Rebecca Baptista rebecca@westben.ca

1..Westben grew out of the talented and eager local community along with the experience that Brian and I had as performers nationally and internationally. 2. When we decided to put on a production of Jesus Christ Superstar in 1997 with some friends (before Westben was formed), Paula Meier & Associates sponsored the production and also sponsored the Sound of Music the following year that we produced at our local church. 3. Paula loved the coming together of people from all over to make music in our community and Paula Meier & Associates were sponsors for over 12 years before she retired. 4. Paula felt like part of the production team as much as the singers and actors were. Our goal at Westben for sponsors continues to be this working together in partnership, a relationship that is mutually beneficial. 5. Some sponsors find it valuable to have their business name out in the community on our brochures and on the web site as they feel our brands align. Some sponsors would rather be low key and just support for philanthropic reasons or simply enjoy the wonderful concerts. Some believe strongly in the Westben Education programs, the community choirs, the instrumental community bands, Lunchtime Tick Talks and pre-concert chats. While some are family members and feel obliged!! But hopefully all sponsors see benefit either personally or for their business. 6. Sponsorship of organizations like Westben and other community events and charities is impactful on any community as a whole. The whole community is enriched and grows in vitality and diversity when everyone comes together. 7. In conversation and partnership with our sponsors Westben over the years has learned a great deal about best business practices while gaining a deepening sense of how wonderful things can happen when we all work together. 8. Currently sponsorship contributes approximately 10% of overall revenues for Westben. 9. During Westben’s 20th anniversary season we celebrate with 23 sponsors. 10. Concerts at The Barn sponsors include Allen Insurance Group, Bennett's Furniture & Mattresses, Bridge Street Dental, Canadian Tire Trent Hills, Caravaggio Orthotic Clinic, Classical 96.3 & 103 FM, The Community Press, Covia, Elieff-Emery Group of Companies, Finley & Associates, Island Park Retirement Residence, Kinch Eddie Litigation, MacLaren's IDA Pharmacy, metaphorhome, R&W Construction Services, Rotary Club of Campbellford, Sharpe's Food Market, The Pyle Group Scotia Wealth Management, Warkworth Community Service Club and Windswept. 11. Since reimagining into a year round Centre for Connection & Creativity Through Music in 2018 we now have sponsors for the Clock Tower events including Caper's Tap House, Dooher's Bakery, Island Park Retirement Residence and Master Sub. 12. We have been able to introduce new youth programs such as the March Break electronic youth camp sponsored by Trent Hills Canadian Tire and Artworth camp intensives at the Barn. 13. Sponsors have helped to make a definitive turning point in Westben’s development into a leading international Centre by sponsoring the Performer Composer Residency Program. This year’s Residency had over 100 applicants from all over the world apply for only 12 positions. You can see these talented performers showcase their world premiere works created at Westben on Saturday, July 13, 7 pm at The Barn. 14. Since Westben began there have been over 35 sponsors. In the last blog I mentioned that one of the first sponsors of The Barn approached me on the street with a cheque and said good luck and don’t ask again (even though he became a long time sponsor). That kind of belief in supporting something new, supporting risk taking to bring a new venture to the whole community, was so inspiring and continues to be so. Our current sponsors are willing to dream along with Westben planning for the next 20 years. 15. There are so many exciting developments on the horizon that I can’t wait to share with you so stay tuned and dream along with us. Let us know what you like to see Westben do next. What your dream for Westben might be? 16. I would like to congratulate our five founding 20 year sponsors - Allen Insurance Group, Bennett’s Furniture & Mattresses, Sharpe’s Food Market, Rotary Club of Campbellford and Windswept. Finley and Associates is our premiere Galaxy sponsor supporting year-round events. 17. My parents had a family business and they believed in supporting other local businesses. 18. Please click the link to read more about our wonderful sponsors https://www.westben.ca/2019-sponsors. 19. Please visit their place of business or say hello to them at The Barn and thank them for their support of Westben. 20. Perhaps they will thank you too for coming to a Westben concert, for being a Member or a Volunteer or becoming a new sponsor or Westben.

Donna
donna@westben.ca
1-877-883-5777
westben.ca