The Friends of Central Mississippi Residential Center will not host its annual fall festival, which was originally scheduled for Thursday, October 24.
Donna Creekmore, director of CMRC, said that while the event is one of the most popular Halloween events in Newton County, they had to look out for the best interests of the organization.
“As of (Thursday), only $2,925 has been received in sponsorship funds. The cost for candy purchased last year was $6,768,” Creekmore said. “The average net profit from the Festival for the last two years was approximately $3,920. The total amount approved for 2019-2020 Projects is $13,500. Profit for this year would have to increase significantly to bring the checking account balance back up to and surpass the amount currently in the account to fund the current projects.
The CMRC Fall Festival began as a community event and was the main fundraiser for the Friends organization, which sponsored activities and projects for the CMRC residents. But gradually, the event began taking in less and less money as the costs continued to rise.
“It was a difficult decision for us to cancel, but we really had no choice,” Creekmore said. “Our donations haven’t grown to keep up with the rising costs. In fact, some of our donors have reduced their donation levels in recent years. So, we have seen our profit decline from the event each year.”
Creekmore said she said CMRC will review the fall festival again for next year to see if there is a way to revamp it or move it.
“Plans are to put all efforts into the Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser in the spring in hopes that it will be more successful,” Creekmore said. “The sponsors that have contributed toward Fall Festival will be given the option of supporting the Pancake Breakfast or if they would like their donation returned to them.”
