Corbett Public Relations, Inc.
E-mail: wjcorbett@corbettpr.com
Tel: (516) 775-0435 ext 1
www.metronyballoonfest.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
July 16, 2008

NONPROFIT AND SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS TO RAISE FUNDS AND AWARNESS AT METRO NY BALLOON & MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Town of Brookhaven’s Calabro Airport, located in the heart of Suffolk County, will again host the Metro NY Balloon & Music Festival on the weekend of August 8, 9 and 10.  This year’s event promises to be a family and community friendly highlight of the summer.  The Festival will include morning and evening hot air balloon inflations, 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and mega-kites flying in the sky each day, wind and weather conditions permitting.  The Festival will have 100 hours of live entertainment with more than 40 music acts performing on three giant stages. Tremendous opportunities are being provided for nonprofit and charitable groups to heighten awareness of their respective organizations and causes to raise funds to carry out their missions through participation in the event. In 2007 the Festival enabled nonprofit groups to raise $100,000 and many of these groups are returning this year.

Local Long Island charitable and nonprofits groups will have a strong presence and will reap the benefits of their participation in the Festival.  Groups include the Boy Scouts of America, Long Island Sound Drum & Bugle Corps, Selden Centereach Youth Association, United North Amityville Youth Organization, Suffolk County Celiacs, Boys & Girls Club of Bellport, Colonial Youth & Family Services and Feel Better Kids, Inc.

A number of volunteer fire departments and military groups will be represented at the event.  The Second Marine Aircraft Wing Show Band and Big Band will be performing for the first time at the event.  Also, there will be a Vintage Fire Truck Muster with over 50 antique fire trucks and equipment. 
Among the larger nonprofit groups that will benefit from taking part in the event will be the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, Ronald MacDonald House (New Hyde Park, NY) and Children’s Miracle Network.

“We are glad to have the involvement of more than a dozen local not-for-profit organizations and hundreds of volunteers.  It is our goal to once again give these organizations opportunities to raise funds and awareness.  We would not be able to host such a large and special event without them.  We are pleased with the support of the residents in the community as well,” said Metro NY Balloon and Music Festival Director David Glicker.

Hot air balloon inflations, mega-kit demonstrations and all entertainment are subject to time changes or cancellation due to wind and weather conditions.  Check the Festival’s website and hotline for updates.  Tickets for the Festival can be purchased in advance online.  Advance ticket prices are adult $20, children ages 5 to 11 $12 and kids 4 and under are free.  For tickets, information and schedule of performances visit www.metronyballoonfest.com  or call (516) 794-4444.