Buffalo Irish Dot Com

A 501-c-3 (in process) Not-for-Profit Company

Operates Buffalo Irish Festivals beginning August 22,23,24 of 2008

Mission Statement:

"To provide unique and entertaining platforms (including the Buffalo Irish Festival, Paddy's Party and future concert and educational series) to foster and nurture the interest in and awareness of Irish and Celtic cultural heritage in Western New York, and to establish and maintain a continuum of academics and entertainment forums for succeeding generations."

 

May 14 updates:

We've arranged the following bands to perform at the festival:

Discussions are underway with:

Seven Nations

Glengarry Bhoys

The Makem & Spain Brothers

Sponsorship Commitments have been agreed to or discussed with

Guinness

Labatt Blue

Palmer Foods

Rich Products

Grant Commitments have been agreed to with

UP Foundation, formerly the Rupp Foundation

Sponsorship Agreements are being negotiated with

Time Warner

Independent Health

GEICO

M&T Bank

Media Trade Agreements are being negotiated with

Business First Newspaper

Entercom Radio Network

Proceeds will benefit the following beneficiaries among others

Belfast Summer Relief Program

Buffalo Irish Center

SS Columba Brigid Fire Fund the recipient of the LOVE OFFERING for the mass

Saint Vincent de Paul Society

We need:

Someone to lead the program book sales initiative

Someone to lead up the "Friends of the Festival" solicitation of individual & small business patrons

Here's our new letterhead for press releases, website, etc...

First Draft of Mission Statement, your comments welcome...

“To provide unique and entertaining platforms (including the Buffalo Irish Festival, Paddy’s Party and future concert and educational series) to foster and nurture the interest in and awareness of Irish and Celtic cultural heritage in Western New York.”

Bookings to Date for the 2008 Buffalo Irish Festival:

This note went out to the dance schools today (2/13/2008)

Good Morning,

The Buffalo Irish Festival Committee Meeting was held at the Shannon Pub last evening to discuss details pertaining to this year's festival. At that meeting, Kevin, and the other members, asked that I contact each of the teachers to explain what the committee is thinking with regard to having dancers from each school assist throughout the festival weekend. Below, please see some of those details:

Elaine Harold is in charge of publicity for the festival. She is looking for information from each school about the history of the school and any other pertinent info they would like to have published on the website link that she is creating. Pictures are also fine. Please send info to: BuffaloIrishFestival@Yahoo.com

The committee decided that it would be wonderful to have 6 dancers (preferably seniors), from all area schools, who would dance/work with each other to :

1. Distribute slingers and info as Festival ambassadors

2. Teach/demo ceili dances at the Crossroads that will be in various spots throughout the festival

3. Dance with the Comhaltus group under their tent as they demo throughout the day

4. Take part in the play being performed throughout the weekend

5. Assist with dance demos in the Kids Tent throughout the weekend

6. Take part in the Mass on Sunday morning (smaller dancers, too!) Possible readers, procession, etc.

7. Perform a combined choreography designed by all of the teachers

8. Dance with the various local and visiting musicians under different tents throughout the weekend

They are looking at this part as being a combined effort among all dancers from the region. To that end, they think that the dancers would wear some type of street clothes and no wigs (as opposed to school or opens costumes). Kevin suggested black pants and an Irish Festival shirt that would designate them as Irish Festival Ambassadors.

In addition, schools would still do their regular performances, throughout the weekend, in school dress, etc.

It was suggested that all of the teachers, and myself, and possibly Kevin, attend a meeting, at a mutually agreed upon time and place, to work out the details of how the weekend would look, with regard to the dances and other details.

We could make that meeting on Tuesday evening at the Irish Center, which would allow Paula the opportunity to be here. The Comhaltus group practices that night, and Margaret English would like the opportunity to discuss her vision for working with the dancers in the Comhaltus tent. She also suggested that night so that the groups of 6 dancers from each school could use Tuesday evenings to meet and practice two hand sets, etc. with the Comhaltus group.

I would greatly appreciate it if you would all check your schedules to see if any of the following Tuesday evenings, at 7PM, would work for all of you to get together as a group to begin planning for the festival weekend.

Feb. 26th

March 4th

March 11th

We are hopeful that this will be a wonderful experience for all of the WNY dancers selected by their teachers to take part in this cultural event.

If I left any dance schools/teachers off this list, please let me know.

I hope to hear back from each teacher by Feb. 20th.

I look forward to seeing all of you,

Mary Holzerland

• act as ambassadors at the festival, handing out our programs (below), giving directions, answering questions
• work in the Irish Kids' Camp, teaching kids the elements of step-dancing, and escorting groups of kids to and from each workshop
• perform, and bring the public into crossroads dancers, which will occasionally break out during the festival
• shill, then perform during the theater performance
• hand out programs and posters around town in the weeks leading up to the festival
• be part of the Comhaltas Traditional Irish Music Tent, including the ceilidh on Saturday night
• choreograph a dance or two for general performances
• in the end, the individuals will garner experience, confidence, pride

Next Meeting: Tuesday, February 12th at 7:00pm, Shannon Pub

I've attached a bunch of "stuff" for your perusal. Each committee can get started on their respective areas, and report to the meeting next month. If you look at www.BuffaloIrish.com, the main page, in the bottom right-hand corner, you'll see "Dot-Com". That's our committee page, and I'll be posting all manner of updates there, and will get it organized as we go along. So, send me anything and everything, and I'll post it there. Great meeting, great set of minds. Looking forward to your feedback and input!

Kevin

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

In attendance:

 John Blest

 Ed Patton

 Elaine Harold

 Mary Holzerland

 Gary Holzerland

 Katie Cunningham

 Bridget English

 Sue Leary

 Mark Leary

 Stephanie

 Tim Daly

 Tracy Marks Dargan

 Kevin Townsell

 Scott Schumacher

 Susie Fay

Unable to attend:

 Mike Flynn

 Mary Heneghan

 Bill Rupp

 Kathleen Delaney

 Mike Cryan

 Josephine Hogan

 Mary Kate O’Connell

 Laurence Shine

 Tom Barnes

 Andy Mahoney

 Marty Biniasz

 Airborne Eddy

 Donna Shine

 Mike Murphy

 Margaret McGrath

 Rich Meyers

 Tom Martin

 Ben Hoey

Buffalo-Irish-Dot-Com

 January 15, 2008

 Committees

 Theater Building – Josephine & Mary Kate & Laurence

 Genealogy, History of Irish in Buffalo – John Blest, Ed Patton

 Irish Kids’ Camp & Children’s Entertainment – Katie C, Tim Daly

 Traditional Music Tent –Bridget English

 Vendors Placement & Selection – Mary Heneghan

 Local Cultural Organizations & Dance Schools – Tracy, Mary Holzerland

 Entertainment, Sound & Lighting –

 Liturgy – Margaret McGrath, Mary and Gary Holzerland

 Grounds, Equipment Rental --

 Security, Gate-keeping --

 Public Relations – Marty, Ed & Elaine Harold, Ed Patton (friend of Mike Vogel)

 Sponsorship Solicitation – Sue Leary

 Grant Solicitation – Kathleen Delaney, Bill Rupp

 Program Editing and Ad Sales --

 Parade of County Flags – Kathleen Delaney

 Artwork, Posters, Wearables, Creative – Dave Miller

 Festival CD & Wearable Booth --

 Pub, Food and Beverage Vendor(s) – KT, Scott

 Paddy’s Party – KT, Scott

 Marketing at Other Festivals -- Everyone

Website – KT

 Canadian PR – Tracy

 My Space – Facebook – Elaine

Board Duties

 Legal – Ben Hoey

 Insurance –

 Contracts – Ben Hoey

 Non-Profit Status – John Moscati

 Annual Reporting – KT, Ben

 Accounting, Budgeting & Check-Writing –

Benefits of 501-c-3

 Sales tax exempt

 Contributions to us are tax exempt

 Enables Guinness and others to write a check

 Paperwork is underway, should be done by April

Sponsorship Opportunities

 Bill Rupp committed to $5,000

 Guinness meeting this week

 Shannon Pub covering facility rent from 15% f/b, Should be $15,000 plus

 Sue Leary working on sponsorship packages

Paddy’s Party

 Bridget working on traditional music

 80-100 people committed, need 300-400

 $35 includes dinner, tax, tip, entertainment, cash bar

 Benefits the Comhaltas tent at the festival

Concert Series

 Throughout the year, throughout WNY

 Looking to create a “bank” to underwrite concerts and events

Irish Kids Camp

 Gaelic language

 Gaelic football & hurling

 History of Irish in Buffalo

 Storytelling

 Musical Instruction

 Tin Whistle

 Singing

 Step Dancing and Line Dancing

Genealogy and Irish in Buffalo Tent

 Seminars and exhibits

Theater Building

Media Night on Thursday

“Buffalo Irish Dot Com”

 Presents

 The 27th Annual 2008 BUFFALO IRISH FESTIVAL

 August 22, 23 & 24

 Grove at the Hamburg Fair Grounds

The 27th annual Buffalo Irish Festival is an event that is highly recognized and anticipated each year. This non-profit Festival will attract over 20,000 attendees from the WNY area. The Festival will benefit local charities and organizations. The Irish Festival includes three stages of continuous music and dance, Theater building featuring Irish Classical Theater and O’Connell & Co. performances of “From Ireland to Buffalo,” James Joyce exhibit, Kids area, Irish Geneology, delicious food, vendors booths and much, much more! Don’t miss out on being represented at this well attended annual event!

Sponsorship Opportunities

Gold Sponsorship

 Includes:

 ? Logo signage at the Main Stage or prominent area of Festival

 ? Logo on all advertising material, TV spots, print advertising, Festival brochure, posters & invitations prior to Festival

 ? Logo on Web Page with link to your website

 ? Display booth space at Festival

 ? 30 Tickets to Festival

 ? 15 tickets to private VIP party prior to Festival

 ? Other creative opportunities available

Gold Sponsorship Investment: $5,000

Silver Sponsorship

 Includes:

 ? Logo signage at secondary stage of Festival

 ? Logo on all advertising material, TV spots, print advertising, Festival brochure, posters & invitations prior to Festival

 ? Logo on Web Page with link to your website

 ? Display booth space at Festival

 ? 20 tickets to Festival

 ? 10 tickets to private VIP party prior to Festival

 ? Other creative opportunities available

Silver Sponsorship Investment: $2,500

Bronze Sponsorship

 Includes:

 ? Logo signage at event

 ? Logo on all advertising material, TV spots, Festival brochure, posters & invitations prior to Festival

 ? Logo on Web page with link to your website

 ? 10 Tickets to Festival

 ? 5 tickets to private VIP party prior to Festival

 ? Other creative opportunities available

 This package does not include booth at event

Bronze Sponsorship Investment: $1,000

2008 Buffalo Irish Festival Initiatives

 New Activities

 · Theater Building - Weekend-long pub, theater and cultural display building. 14,000 square foot indoor, air-conditioned facility with it's own bar, will have continuous pub-style entertainment between shows. Shows will be a collaboration of the Irish Classical Theatre Company, headed by Josephine Hogan, and O'Connell & Company, headed by Mary Kate O'Connell. In addition, Laurence Shine is working to secure a major exhibit loan from the University of Buffalo of artifacts and original manuscripts of James Joyce in advance of Buffalo hosting the Joyce Symposium in 2009.

 · Traditional Music Tent - Headed up by Bridget English of the Martin Wynne Chapter of Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann, this tent will provide three days of continuous traditional music and dance.

 · Irish Kids' Camp and Children's Entertainment Schedule - 50-75 children will be enrolled in a five-hour Camp on either Saturday or Sunday, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm. The children will be split into groups of five to ten based on age, and will spend 30-45 minutes in each of a dozen learning areas. They will be given a tin whistle, and taught how to use it. They'll learn some practical conversational terms in the Gaelic language. They'll be taught about how the Irish lived, and why their ancestors came to Buffalo. Genealogy experts will talk about their surnames, and the counties from which their families may have emigrated. The local GAAA members will teach the kids a little about Gaelic football and hurling, hopefully providing a ball or hurley to take home with them. Representatives from some of the local schools will show the kids how to do a little bit of step-dancing and/or set dancing. Katie Cunningham and others will coordinate this effort, along with a special children's entertainment schedule featuring among others touring entertainers Tom Sweeney from County Armagh and Seamus Kennedy from Belfast. Storyteller (seanache) Tim Daly and genealogist John Blest are among the instructors.

 · Genealogy Building - John Blest of Daemen College will represent the Buffalo Irish Genealogy Society (BIGS) and present a weekend-long series of seminars and discussions of Irish heritage, with a concentration on why Buffalo was their destination, and discussions on building the Erie Canal, and working the grain mills and shipping operations. People will be given assistance in researching their own family. It is hoped that Lower Lakes Historical Society, WNY Heritage, Buffalo Industrial Heritage and others will present static exhibits.

 · Sunday Morning Mass - Hopefully to be headed by Margaret McGrath, who is also managing the Famine Mass the day prior, this mass will be held at the outdoor stage (Celtic stage in the event of rain) on Sunday morning at 9:30 am. Mary Kate Lachut has offered her assistance.

 · Media Night - The Theater Building will be the site of a Thursday evening event designed to show off for the local and regional media. The event will include theater, dance, food and beverages. Marty & Ed will run the event.

 · Paddy's Party and Other Events - This event will be held on March 7, 2008 at the Classics V Banquet Center in Amherst, catered by the Shannon Pub, featuring festival entertainers Seamus Kennedy, Knot Fibb'n, Comhaltas and Rince na Tiarna. The event will serve as a fundraiser specifically for the Traditional Music Tent, and the entertainment budget allocated to trad music. Kevin Townsell and Scott Schumacher are planning the event, with assistance from Bridget English and Comhaltas. Tables may be reserved by calling 743-9348.

 Ongoing Activities

 · 501-c-3 Applications, Incorporation. Headed up by Ben Hoey of Watson, Bennett & Colligan. This work is underway, and we'll have a NYS and Federal ID number and charity number shortly. The final 501-c-3 designation is not expected to be completed until the spring.

 · Grant Applications - Kids Camp, Traditional Music Tent. Headed up by Kathleen Delaney of Canisius College.

 · Sponsorship Solicitations - Stage, Theater building, Kids' Camp and children's entertainment. Headed up by Sue Leary.

 · Media Partner Solicitation --

 · Program Book Ad Sales and Publication --

 · Public Relations Ongoing Plan - Headed up by Marty Biniasz and Eddy from Artvoice.

 · Vendor Solicitation and Management - Headed up by Mary Heneghan, we'll be seeking to expand the shopping experience with a greater variety of shops.

 · "Friends of the Festival" Solicitation - An effort has begun to invite civic and business leaders with an interest in Irish culture to get involved financially in raising the scope and quality of the festival.

 · Year-Round Activities - Buffalo Irish Dot Com will also endeavor to not only bring in Irish talent through the year, but also support other groups in similar endeavors throughout Western New York. Bill Rupp will be heading this group.

Board and Committee Members

Board

Board membership decisions

Board

Determine minutes-keeper, treasurer, etc.

Board

Distribution of Proceeds, Timing, Application Process

Board

Invitation to Irish VIPs

Board

Set mission statement

Board

Children's and Family-Oriented Entertainment

Children

Children's Workshops in music, Irish language, Irish sports, dance, etc.

Children

Liaison with Buffalo's Irish cultural community, identify fundraising opportunities for all

Community

Local Organizations, Input, Fundraising during Festival, Distribution of Proceeds

Community

Dance School Center, Booth Management, Scheduling

Dance

In-Kind Donations, Determine Needs and Solicitation, including buses, tents, tables, pop, water, t-shirts, security, etc. Wish-list

Donations

Buskers and Pub Entertainers

Entertainment

Entertainment, Stages, Sound and Dancefloors

Entertainment

Building of Irish immigrant "village", a la Cobh and Ulster Folkpark

Facilities

Facilities Management, Incuding Planning, Set-Up, Take-Down, Fairgrounds Liaison

Facilities

Handyman Group, to help setup, build new exhibits, etc., electrician, carpenter, etc.

Facilities

Streetscape

Facilities

Determination of Distribution of cash flows before, during and after festival and other events

Finance

Finances, Cash Flow Planning

Finance

Clan Tables, reunion areas, gathering times at Genealogy booth

Genealogy

Genealogy Workshop, Seminars, Management and Expertise, Computerization

Genealogy

Irish in Buffalo displays with Industrial heritage commities, First Ward, Valley Community, South Buffalo

Genealogy

Sponsorships and Grants, Preparation, Solicitation, Naming Rights, Ireland Fund

Grant Writing

Insurance considerations, including general liability, dram shop (thru Shannon Pub), exhibit insurance for Joybe exhibit

Insurance

Incorporation and all legal work is underway

Legal

Legal Considerations, Completion of 501-c-3 Requirements, attorney on board

Legal

Tax-exempt status of admissions, wearables, and payments to others for tent rental, sound, etc.

Legal

Liturgy Committee, Dioceses Liaison, Set-up, sound, logistics, determination of benefactors

Liturgy

Fudraisers through the Year, guarantee funding of Local Irish Concerts

Paddy's Party

Workers for Paddy's Party

Paddy's Party

Parade of Ireland's 32 Counties, Presence at other Parades

Parade

Irish Toast Contest, Categories, Judging, Promotion

Public Relations

Public Relations, Promotion, Marketing and Advertising

Public Relations

ATM, Bank Booth on Site

Production

Cooking demonstrations, Savor the Flavor, coordination and solicitation

Production

Festival Poster Art, Wearables, Best-of-Festival DVD's, Booths,

Production

Horse-drawn carriages, pay-per ride, jaunting cars

Production

Shepherding, Irish Dog Showing, Galway Races, Oddsmakers and Books

Production

Stage Management, Irish Emcees, Guest Emcees

Production

Whiskey-Making display, stout-making with local brewery

Production

Advance Sale Ticketing and Pricing, Group Pricing

Promotion

Attending and promotion of Buffalo festival at Ohio, Pennsylvania, Milwaukee and other festivals

Promotion

Canadian Marketing and Promotion, Packages

Promotion

Convention and Visitors Bureau, ABA Bus conventions, contacting bus tour companies

Promotion

Family Flags on the Midway

Promotion

Irish Business Booths, Atlantic Corridor, Irish/American companies

Promotion

Media Night Thursday of Festival, setting up entertainment, food and beverages, and schedule, as well as invitation listing and direct contacts

Promotion

Other Area Irish Pubs, shuttle buses, stagger several locations using fewer buses

Promotion

Poster Distribution and Hanging, use poster as fundraiser?

Promotion

Public Service Announcement Production, and Distribution, radio and TV

Promotion

Shuttle Buses, Headquarter and Other Hotels, shopping Mall

Sponsorship

Advertising Opportunities, including website, festival program, stage naming

Sponsorship

Media Partnerships

Sponsorship

Strategic Partnerships, including Guinness, Shannon Pub, CH Wright, Palmer Foods, Sausage Maker, Headquarters Hotel

Sponsorship

Company Signs showing sponsorship, to be hung under entertainment tents

Sponsorship

Non-Irish vendor and display consideration, haven't allowed in the past, maybe only in one area, Verizon, HSBC, for example, and as part of major sponsorships?

Sponsorship

Irish Theater, including Joyce Exhibit, Finnegan's Wake, Irish Classical Theatre, O'Connell & Company

Theater, Joyce

Coordination with Joyce Symposium in Buffalo in 2009

Theater, Joyce

Traditional Irish Music Tent, School and Camp, Entertainers, Sounds, Layout, Location

Trad

Liaison with Irish charter airlines, including Kenny Tours and others

Vendors

Vendor Solicitation, Approval and Management, Including Tents/Buildings

Vendors

Travel Agency booths, Trip to Ireland Giveaways

Vendors

Volunteers Needed at Gate, Information Booths, Camps, Stage Managers

Volunteers

Addition to national and international festival listings

Website

E-Mail List Generation, Computerization

Website

Website Management, Festival Souvenirs, On-Line Store

Website

Board

Children's Camp -- Manage Camp, Coordinate kids entertainment

KC, TD, BE

Community -- Relations with local Irish Cultural Organizations

MH

Dance -- Coordination with local dance schools, camp education

KC

Donations -- In-Kind and Cash Donations

Entertainment -- Booking, scheduling, sound system

KT

Facilities -- Liaison with fairgrounds, tents, stages, tables, chairs

SS

Finance

Genealogy -- Seminars, static displays, coordination with local museums/organizations

JB, DS

Grant Writing -- Seeks opportunities, makes applications

KD

Insurance

Legal

BH

Liturgy -- Coordinate with Diocese, determine donee

MM?, MKL

Paddy's Party -- Manage this and other events through the year

KT, SS, BR

Parade of 32 Counties -- Manage parade of flags/counties and Irish Fest & St. Patrick's Parade

KD

Public Relations -- Manage Thursday media night, PSA's, local and regional media

MB, ED

Production

Promotion -- Posters, Flyers, Program, Artwork, Wearables, Other Festivals, Bus Companies, PSA's, Advertising

Sponsorship -- Seek not for profit and corporate sponsorship, both general and specific

BR, SL

Theater, Joyce -- produce and manage theater building and events

JH, MKOC, LS

Traditional Music -- produce and manage stand-alone stage and tent

BE

Vendors -- solicit new vendors, coordinate with existing and new, layout, incorporate not-for-profit tables

MH, KT

Volunteers -- build a team of volunteers for all committees to draw from, and coordinate

Website -- Build email list, maintain website, link with other festivals, link with all participants

KT