Why we ask for donations at Ribfest

Asking folks for money is tough...even when you're hosting the biggest party of the year.

The cost to put on our little four-day Ribfest grows every year. At last count, the bill for all the services, infrastructure, entertainment, security - and more - comes to more than $260,000. We recoup some money from vendor fees (alas, we don't get a cut of the food sales), and our generous sponsors step up every year to cover about a third of our expenses.

The two organizing Rotary Clubs have so far bucked the trend of charging admission, but to not only pay for the party but also support Rotary projects in our community, we need to ask for donations at the gate.

Even dropping $2 or $5 into the bucket (or tapping any amount on your debit or Visa) will help make Rotary initiatives possible. Some of the agencies and projects we support include Food 4 Kids Hamilton, Cliff Lillicrop Bursaries at WDHS, elementary student literacy awards, mental health programs through Eagles Nest, Flamborough Food Bank and Food With Grace, Flamborough Santa Claus Parade, Margaret's Place; Flamborough Women's Resource Centre, Rotary Garden Court Seniors Residence; Rotary Youth Exchange, Migrants Matter Flamborough and many more.

 “We can support our communities in a huge way, if Ribfest attendees support us at the Ribfest gate in a small way,” explains Ribfest steering committee co-chair Nick Brown. “Every year since 2017, our attendance has been up but donations at the gate have been down,” he continued. “It would be nice to change that.”

Last year, Ribfest set an attendance record, at 59,000 people. “If even half the attendees tapped us $2 at the gate, we could raise almost $30,000 for local projects and help our communities,” said Brown. “We would love to be able to do that!”

When you run into a Ribfest Ambassador at the gates, they will be happy to welcome you to this biggest party of the year, chat about Rotary and, yes, ask for a donation.

See you at Memorial Park June 27 to 30!