Black Bear Film Fest gives members preview at Van Gorders

MILFORD — The Black Bear Film Festival partnered with Van Gorders Furniture to host a reception for renewing and new members of The Patrons Den, the festival's membership club, in the Van Gorders showroom on Water Street, Milford.
Twenty-four attendees were treated to wine, cheese, coffee, and other treats as Bob Keiber previewed some of the initiatives for 2017 and the return of the Schools Partnership Initiative, launched last year with more than 12 student films showcased during festival weekend.
“We’ll always remain focused on the October festival weekend,” said Keiber. "But as we form partnerships with regional schools, merchants, and other community organizations, we all see the benefits of making Black Bear a year-round part of the community fabric.”
Scott Van Gorder, owner of Van Gorders Furniture, supports the festival.
“As a local business in Pike and Wayne counties, we value the importance of Black Bear and other cultural institutions," he said. "The festival, its patrons and its sponsors are good for our business and good for our communities.”
The Patrons Den membership club was launched last year by Barbara Buchanan and board member Will Voelkel as a means of welcoming festival patrons into a members club with benefits including previews, passes, special events and discounts. For more information about membership, email info@blackbearfilm.com.