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The Central Blair Recreation and Park Commission is behind last year's pace on sponsorships for its Community Classic Dinner, with a week to go before the commitment deadline, according to commission Executive Director Mike Hofer.
He said the February dinner is a critical fundraiser for the commission, as without it, there would not be a scholarship program.
And without a scholarship program, one in three youngsters who participate in commission programs wouldn't have that opportunity, Hofer said.
"It's the big ones we're lacking," Hofer told the commission board Thursday, referring to sponsors who committed last year, but not so far in 2024.
Two of those major sponsors were at the "diamond" level last year, which meant they made a $2,500 contribution that entitled them to three reserved tables with a total of 24 seats as well as an advertisement and banner package, Hofer said.
One of those sponsors was at the "platinum" level last year, which meant a $1,500 contribution that entitled the sponsor to a pair of reserved tables and a slightly less attractive ad and banner package.
There are also other, smaller sponsors who haven't re-upped, according to Hofer.
As of Thursday, the commission has received sponsorship commitments that amount to about 60 percent of last year's total.
Commission management hasn't given up trying to corral the big ones yet, Hofer said.
But the deadline for commitments is Jan. 26, to provide sufficient lead time for the printing of dinner programs.
"We're still holding out hope," Hofer said. "(Still) we can only control what we can control."
"It's part of the job," Hofer said, when asked whether he minds fundraising.
About 200 tickets have been sold for the dinner so far, Hofer said.
"It's been slower than anticipated," he said. He's hoping to get to around 400.
He said the economy seems to be contributing to the slow pace of ticket sales.
Work on the silent auction component of the dinner is about finished, he said.
The baskets and gift card component will be addressed once the sponsorship component has been dealt with, he said.
The dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, at the Bavarian Hall.
The commission's Respected Citizen Award will go to Rocco Alianiello.
Featured speaker will be former Steeler Louis Lipps.
Tickets are $45. They're available at the CBRC office, 2101 Fifth Ave., Altoona and at Grandview Meats, 1544 Pleasant Valley Blvd., Altoona.
For more information, call 814-949-2231 or visit www.cbrcparks.org.
Mirror Staff Writer WilliamKibler is at 814-949-7038.