The Yankee Doodle Homecoming Committee thanks everyone for their words of support and encouragement.
To those who are disappointed, upset or have ideas on how to help, we appreciate your candor and desire to assist. However, there are multiple reasons for not holding the event this year, not just financial. During our meeting we discussed at length all of the suggestions that have been put forth.
To be clear Yankee Doodle Homecoming Inc. is NOT a town organization or committee. We are a private 501(c)(3) organization.
We would like to clarify that the BOH had nothing to do with our decision. They were behind us in whatever decision we made, as long as we followed state guidelines.
- No one knows what school will truly look like at this point, but it’s expected that extra-curricular activities will be minimal if at all. Therefore, we realized that half of the parade would likely not be available.
- Paying for just the fireworks would nearly deplete our reserve.
- We might not get all of the vendors we typically have. Even half to three quarters would not be sufficient income.
- We had started our sponsorship campaign and sent out letters to the businesses in town and the local area and had received minimal donations. Realizing that many businesses are closed, we would likely not get the donations we typically get. Plus, we felt it really wouldn’t be appropriate to ask at this time.
- Planning the event in only 4 months would be very difficult. We usually start at the beginning of the year to get things lined up.
- Then there is the social distancing, and costs associated with masks and hand sanitizing stations – who knows what the status of those requirements will be come September.
- This is the 30th year of Yankee Doodle and we had ideas to do some different, fun things this year to make it special. We decided it did not make sense to have an abbreviated event, with the potential of a last-minute cancellation and the subsequent loss of funds. One third of an event was not what we wanted to do.
- This was a very tough decision to make and we agonized over it, but realized it was the right thing to do. We know people are disappointed, we are too and are sorry.
- We will celebrate our 30th Anniversary next year with a bang. Our new website will be up and running soon and there will be a new feature for anyone who wants to support Yankee Doodle. You will be able to DONATE directly (tax deductible to the extent allowed by law) via PayPal, Venmo, or credit/debit card. You can donate any amount, but we have recognitions for donations of $25 and up. Below is the lowest level recognition we offer. Others will be on the site when it is ready.
Celebrate the Green & White (great for residents) – $25
- Name Listed on Yankee Doodle’s website
- Listing on BATV Community Bulletin Board
A GoFund Me would need to raise nearly $40,000. With the community pantry having more than doubled in size, and many people on reduced incomes, we feel it is not appropriate to ask for this kind of support. We would much rather see that money go to helping the community pantry and/or the families displaced due to the fire at the Kenmar Apartments.
Respectfully,
Yankee Doodle Homecoming Committee
