Black Bear Film Festival receives $7,500 sponsorship for Film Salon

MILFORD — The Black Bear Film Festival, celebrating its 15th anniversary, received three $2,500 donations from local Walmart locations in Westfall, Middletown, N.Y. and Rockaway, N.J. Walmart will be the sole sponsor of the Film Salon, located in the Community Room at the Pike County Public Library throughout the festival weekend on Oct. 17 to 19.

While programming for the 15th anniversary of the film festival is still underway, gold passes and gala tickets are on sale now at www.BlackBearFilm.com. The full schedule of feature and salon films will be released Sept. 19.

Rocco Fasulo, Westfall Walmart’s Store Manager, was instrumental in organizing the three-tiered donation.

“Last year we received a $1,000 sponsorship from Walmart and that’s how we met Rocco,” said Jerry Beaver, Founding President of the Black Bear Film Festival. “He had the opportunity to see what the festival does for the community and wanted to be able to give more for our 15th anniversary year, and support our mission, which is so closely aligned with theirs. We are grateful for his hard work in coordinating the community-giving budgets of other stores to be able to sponsor this year’s film salon.”

The Black Bear Film Festival relies upon its sponsors, volunteers and attendees to maintain its mission of supporting innovative and independent films, artistic expression, education, diversity and cultural enhancement, in addition to participating in the expanding economic development of the region.

“The film festival is an important staple of this community and I speak for both Bill Kirsch, the Middletown, N.Y. Store Manager, and Amy Fasulo, the Rockaway, N.J. Store Manager, in saying that we are proud to support such a well-respected and received event.”

The Black Bear Film Festival is deeply appreciative of past, present, and future benefactors of this annual celebration of cinema. This year’s sponsors and media partners include Viamedia, Milford Chrysler Suzuki ales, Biondo Investment Advisors, Clear Channel, KKPR Marketing & Public Relations, Inc., Milford Health & Wellness Center, Flatbrook Farms, John’s of Arthur Avenue, The Litzenberger Family Foundation, Milford Diner, The Artisan Exchange, Frank Bonello & Michael Elf, Center Family Foundation/Charlene Berman, Cliff Park Golf Course & Daetron, Inc., Galasso & Kimler, PC, Michael & Elizabeth Geitz, Hometown Abstract, Jorgenson’s at the Dimmick, Kolmar Laboratories, Inc., and Lara Anne Dodsworth / Schneider Dodsworth Law. For a complete listing of sponsors, visit the Black Bear Film Festival website.

For more information about the Black Bear Film Festival, visit www.blackbearfilm.com.