Let’s make a pitch returns to Strathmore

Andrea Roberts
Times Contributor

 

In the wake of last year’s profound success, the Town of Strathmore is gearing up for its second annual Make A Pitch event.
Taking a local spin on the popular television show Dragon’s Den, the event attracted a large crowd last year, where the theme was focused on beautifying the town. This year, the community is challenged to pitch ideas that will foster community pride and enhancement.
“We would be happy if it is as successful as last year,” said Stanford.
“Last year we had $10,000 to give out because of sponsorship. This year we have not got that much yet but we are hoping to do well.”
Fourteen non-profit organizations will have the chance to argue their ideas of strengthening quality of life and promoting pride within the community, in front of several judges. While last year’s high-profile judge W. Brett Wilson won’t be returning to the panel, the event has already confirmed Bill Turnbull, developer of Edgefield, and Jerry Lemon, an executive with Talisman Energy. Two more judges are yet to be confirmed. Turnbull, who was present at last year’s competition, said he’s going to approach the event with an open mind.
“I was at it last year as a spectator and I know Brett personally and I know Ron Renaud quite well, and they had fun and when I was asked to do it this year, I was more than happy to do it,” said Turnbull.
“If they get the same attendance rate they were able to last year and the same feedback, it’s a good thing. It opens up a lot of ideas and gets the community thinking about stuff.”
Last year’s winner, Hope Bridges, cashed a $10,000 cheque to get their project, Quilt the Town, off the ground. The initiative included painting quilt designs on pieces of wood and hanging them on the side of building around Strathmore. The money was used for a free community workshop to help make a 4ft by 4ft painted quilt.
“We are interested in partnering with the town and with the county, developing the community and the people in it,” said Wanda Reinholdt from the Hope Bridges Society. “So it was a great opportunity for us to work for the community, so we made a pitch.”
In a surprise twist, the judges also challenged the community to help raise money for the Downtown Design Review Committee’s proposal of a permanent multi-purpose Farmer’s Market building.
With the momentum of last year, the organizers are still looking for more sponsors who would be willing to give a financial contribution towards this year’s prize money. Dwight Stanford, the Town of Strathmore’s chief administrative officer, said it would be a good advertising opportunity.
Last year’s success prompted the owners of the Travelodge to host it this June 11.
Applicants have until noon on June 5 to submit their application.