COOKEVILLE – Organizers behind the annual Upper Cumberland Senior Expo, a one-stop shop for seniors and their caregivers, have added a new sponsorship level this year in an effort to raise more funds for its programs.
Clare Farless, family caregiver coordinator at the Upper Cumberland Development District’s Area Agency on Aging and Disability, which presents the expo, said they’re currently looking for gold level contributors – which can include any business, restaurant or medical office that offers services to seniors and their caregivers. The search will run throughout the entire month of September.
Organizers have already secured most of their platinum level, or corporate, sponsors. This is the first year UCAAAD has added the additional tiers; silver level sponsors and meal sponsors are also needed for the event, which is scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon Thursday, Oct. 22, at Hyder-Burks Agricultural Pavilion in Cookeville.
The additional sponsorship levels would help UCAAA expand respite programs and better meet emergency caregiver needs.
“For gold (sponsors), since this is our first year, we’re shooting for 20,” Farless said. “Because we are state and federally funded, we’re restricted with a lot of our funding because it has certain guidelines. This gives us a different way to help. We’re trying to expand the volunteer respite program, and also to have unrestricted dollars that can be used if a caregiver has an emergency need.”
The Expo is in its 14th year; the theme is “Get Into the Act,” which will focus on how older adults can actively take charge of their health, impact the lives of others and engage in their communities. Organizers are hoping for their biggest turnout yet and hope to recruit resources from all 14 counties in the region.
That includes sponsors. Platinum contributors receive a table on the top floor of the Hyder Burks Pavilion, a 4-by-6 banner displayed inside the arena, recognition in the program and more. The fee is $500.
Gold sponsors, meanwhile, receive a 2-by-3 logo banner displayed in the exhibit hall, and up to three printed business materials that will be placed in bags handed out at the registration table. The cost is $175. A silver sponsor receives a table on the bottom floor of the expo center. That comes with $100 fee.
All vendors are also invited to participate in a career fair geared to match college seniors – namely those in sociology, human ecology and related fields – with health care-focused businesses that may be hiring. The career fair will take place immediately after the Senior Expo until 2 p.m.
“This is a great event for the region, for seniors, caregivers, and this year, for college seniors,” said Sarah Cunningham, UCDD communications coordinator. “We’re hoping to have the biggest crowd we’ve ever had.”
For more information on sponsorships, visit http://ucdd.org/assets/senior-expo-vendor-kit2015.pdf. For more information about the Expo, email Cunningham at scunningham@ucdd.org or Farless at cfarless@ucdd.org.
