Support / Recognition for volunteer activities.

• Volunteer Appreciation Luncheon for Master Gardeners
• Fun Fest – award special luncheon for volunteer coaches
• Every corporate sponsor receives a plaque with picture of youth sports team or event.

Information and educational programs.

• Fun First! Recreation. Education component for our parents/coaches about youth development in youth sports programs. The program places an emphasis on sportsmanship and having fun ahead of competitiveness.

Promotion of local businesses, products and produce.

• Local companies sponsoring events and receive recognition on advertisements and at events.
• Local companies sponsoring youth sports teams.
• Softball / Soccer Tournaments. We promote local hotels / restaurants to teams / participants coming from out of town.

Organization / facilitation of local events / festivals, fundraising, sponsorship and innovation

• Gulley Park Summer Concert Series is a free musical event that takes place during the summer months. Approximately 20,000 spectators attend this event.
• Friday Night at the Movies. Approximately 3,000 people attend this event during the spring / summer months.
• 4th of July Celebration at Baum Stadium. Expecting 25,000 people in 2007.
• Lights of the Ozarks is a free Holiday Light festival that takes place on the Fayetteville Square. Estimated 200,000 people annually attend the festival.
• Sell sponsorships to each event – City budget takes care of most of the load, but local companies help, especially with in-kind donations.

Innovation; involvement with youth / seniors and other initiatives towards broader social inclusion.

• Champs League – Recreation programs with kids with special needs. Putting able-bodied volunteers with participants with special needs.
• City gives $37,500 every year to Council on Aging for operation of the Fayetteville Senior Center and recreation programs at Hillcrest Towers retirement center.
• City gives $187,500 to Donald W. Reynolds Boys and Girls Club of Fayetteville for operation of youth programs.
• Partnership with Pagnozzi Charities who pays for less fortunate children to participate in recreation programs.
• City’s Richardson Center serves children and families in a low-income area of the community. Free programs include a food basket night, special events for youth, sports programs, a computer lab, and open recreation.