Celebrate Oxford 2006 was a huge success.
It was such a success that three local nonprofit organizations were each the beneficiary of a share of the $2,500 in proceeds from the event.
On Thursday, August 3, at a small ceremony in Centennial Park, the Rotary Club of Oxford, the Northeast Oakland’Historical Society, and Crossroads for Youth all received checks from the Oxford Downtown Development Authority.
Rotary received $979.55. The Historical Society got $552.24. Crossroads was the recipient of $860.58
The three activity areas of Celebrate Oxford that generated profits to be shared with these three local nonprofit organizations were ? The Historic Home Tour (to benefit the Northeast Oakland’Historical Society), The Rotary Classic Car Show (to benefit the Rotary Club of Oxford), and Kids Central (to benefit Crossroads for Youth).
For many years, Celebrate Oxford ran a deficit.
Two years ago, the Oxford DDA decided that Celebrate Oxford could not continue if something was not done to improve the financial picture.
It was a great event that drew thousands of people to downtown, but was not even close to breaking even.
So, in 2005, they decided to hire an event planner ? Vicky Winkler of The Marketing Shop.
In 2005, Celebrate Oxford’s financial picture had improved by 60 percent.
By 2006, it had made a complete turnaround and actually made a couple of thousand dollars, in addition to giving back about $2,500 to the three local nonprofits.
According to Winkler, ‘The goal of the DDA was to make Celebrate Oxford break even and still bring thousands of people to downtown. It usually takes 2-3 years to turn an event around, and we did it in 2 years.?
Mrs. Winkler went on to say, ‘Oxford is an extremely generous and supportive community. From volunteers to sponsors, to the local law enforcement and support services, it is the people that made the difference. This is a wonderful place to live and work, Celebrate Oxford allows us to show off or town, and show off we did!?
Celebrate Oxford is downtown Oxford’s premiere summer event. Celebrate Oxford is presented by the Oxford Downtown Development Authority.
The 2006 Event Sponsor was T&C Federal Credit Union and was also supported by Platinum Sponsors The Oakland Press and The Oxford Leader along with Gold Sponsor Oxford Bank.
For 2007 Celebrate Oxford sponsorship, participation, and general information, please contact Joe Young at (248) 628-2543.