The Board of Harbor Commissioners last evening awarded 83 sponsorships totaling $359,795, capping off a record year of Port community sponsorships that highlight the Port of Long Beach’s role in international trade and dedication to social responsibility.
With the latest sponsorships, the Port has given a total of $737,995 in the current fiscal year, which began last October, for 159 events representing a wide cross section of the city and causes such as the arts, environment, social justice and historic preservation.
Harbor commissioners in August 2015 adopted new guidelines for the Port's community sponsorship program with goals of increasing participation, setting clear, user-friendly guidelines and enhancing the Port's focus on public service.
“As the record number of applicants and recipients shows, the new sponsorship policy, coupled with an aggressive outreach campaign, is proving successful,” said Harbor Commission President Lori Ann Guzmán. “The Port of Long Beach takes great pride in supporting local organizations that represent the diversity of our city and make it such a wonderful place to live.”
Among the many events and programs sponsored in the latest call for applications are the International Seafarers Center Maritime Salute, the Los Cerritos Wetlands Land Trust environmental education and cleanup program, the WomenShelter of Long Beach annual fundraiser and AIDS Food Store annual reception. Commissioners and Port staff attend many sponsored events as part of the Harbor Department’s community outreach efforts.
The Port received 273 applications this fiscal year. The most received in any prior year was 200 applications.