New Match Offered to Help Ensure Success for this Summer’s Concert in the Park

Foundation Will Double All New Gifts to Support this Year’s Event, up to $5,000

     WATERTOWN — The Northern New York Community Foundation is pleased to announce a $10,000 grant package to support this year’s Concert in the Park event.

     Total funding includes an initial $5,000 grant and an up to $5,000 matching grant commitment to support first time contributions for this year’s concert. That means the Community Foundation will double all new gifts made in support of this year’s performance by those who have not previously participated.

     Gifts may be made securely online at bit.ly/2026-Park-Concert, or by mail to: Northern New York Community Foundation, 131 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601.

     “Our Rotary Club appreciates the Community Foundation’s continued partnership and support for this event,” Watertown Noon Rotary Club Committee Chair Kevin Jordan said. “The newly awarded matching funds will go a long way to help us leverage additional community donations to cover the cost of this highly anticipated early summer event.”

     The annual Concert in the Park performance has been a summer staple in Thompson Park and the Watertown area for many years. It is an inclusive event with free admission, inviting all citizens to enjoy exceptional orchestral music and fireworks together. For many years, the Community Foundation has supported this community event with funding and resources. This year’s concert is planned for Wednesday, July 1.

     “This is a treasured local tradition and without partnerships, it doesn’t happen,” said Rande S. Richardson, Community Foundation executive director. “We are hoping those who have never given before will consider joining in keeping it alive while having their gifts doubled.”

     In recent years, the Orchestra of Northern New York (ONNY) has been featured as the main act at the annual park concert. This summer’s performance is particularly special as the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary.

     The Watertown Noon Rotary Club leads fundraising efforts to raise support for ONNY’s appearance and the concert. Organizers recently reached out to the Community Foundation to discuss fundraising challenges this year. Some sponsors are unable to renew their support for various reasons.

     At the same time, the estimated cost for the performance has increased this year due to higher fees for the stage, sound, lights, insurance and fireworks.

     This arts and culture experience is one of the community’s most inclusive events.

     Three years ago, the Community Foundation, the family of T. Urling Walker, and local developer Jake Johnson established an endowment fund to perpetuate the concert in the park. A successful community campaign was completed, and this charitable fund has become an attractive annual and planned giving option for prospective donors. As the endowment continues to grow, the fund provides key charitable support.

About the Northern New York Community Foundation

     Since 1929, the Northern New York Community Foundation has invested in improving and enriching the quality of life for all in communities across Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Lawrence counties.

     Through partnerships with businesses and organizations, charitable foundations, and generous families and individual donors, the Community Foundation awards grants and scholarships from an endowment and collection of funds that benefit the region. Its commitment to donors helps individuals achieve their charitable objectives now and for generations to come by preserving and honoring legacies of community philanthropy while inspiring others.

     The Community Foundation is a resource for local charitable organizations, donors, professional advisors and nonprofit organizations. It also works to bring people together at its permanent home in the Northern New York Philanthropy Center to discuss challenges our communities face and find creative solutions that strengthen the region and make it a great place to live, work, and play.