By Andie Foley
andie.foley@salisburypost.com

A member of the ‘Tis the Season Spectacular fundraising and media committee reported Friday the group has secured nearly two-thirds of the funds necessary for this year’s new holiday parade.

Hen Henderlite said the group had just under $20,000 from local business, including $10,000 from a “Star” and presenting sponsor: Food Lion.

Henderlite and fellow fundraising team member Shari Graham were among those who gathered in early August after Holiday Caravan parade organizers declared they were ending the parade after 58 years.

The group met in effort to see the beloved Salisbury and Spencer holiday tradition continue on. As such, they first ironed out a list of immediate needs, including a $30,000 goal for funding.

Graham and Henderlite bring to the table years of experience fundraising for other local organizations and charitable causes.

In just 22 days, the pair secured five sponsors, ranging in commitment levels from $1,500 to the presenting level of $10,000.

The pair offered each sponsorship level with a number of perks. These included:

• Santa’s Helper at $1,500

Includes the name of the company or organization on the sponsor float and all media/promotional materials.

• Mistletoe at $2,500

Includes the name of the company or organization on the sponsor float and all media/promotional materials; a professional float for company use or donated to a charity or nonprofit of choice; and four VIP seats with hot chocolate and/or coffee.

• Sleigh Bells at $5,000

Includes the name of the company or organization on the sponsor float and all media/promotional materials; a professional float for company use or donated to a charity or nonprofit of choice; and six VIP seats with hot chocolate and/or coffee.

• Star at $10,000 (only one)

Includes the name of the company or organization on the sponsor float and all media/promotional materials with the logo as presenting sponsor; a professional float that leads the parade; and 20 VIP seats in the prime viewing area with hot chocolate and/or coffee and holiday treat bags for attendees.

Current sponsors include Food Lion at the Star level; Wallace and Graham, New Sarum Brewing Co. and Century 21 Town and County at the Mistletoe level; and Venue Services and Virtual Sounds at the Santa’s Helper level.

Parade organizers are still underway finalizing the ‘Tis the Season Spectacular mission statement and rules and securing preliminary participants.

Henderlite reports that grand marshal of the new tradition will be Nancy Stanback and that Carolina Panthers’ Sir Purr has also already committed to participating.

Additional information will follow with the launch of a ‘Tis the Season Spectacular website hosted through the Rowan County Tourism Development Authority. The site will go live Sept. 4. and include rules and registration information as well as information on how to reserve seating.