Letter sent to The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Committee from The Grove First.

THE GROVE FIRST    

3000 Shipping Avenue, Coconut Grove, Florida 33133     305-441-5966

January 26, 2006

VIA MAIL: 

The Coconut Grove Arts Festival Committee
Mayfair
3390 Mary St., Ste 128
Coconut Grove, FL 33133 

Attn:  Monty Trainer, President

      Re:  Sponsorship of Home Depot to the 2006 Coconut Grove Arts Festival

Dear Monty:

      Thank you for calling me today to let me know that you have instructed the Coconut Grove Arts Festival Committee to cancel Home Depot's sponsorship for an “in-kind” donation of $25,000 worth of kitchen equipment for use at the Arts Festival, and have further requested the immediate removal of their logo from all advertisements, displays, banners,  television and radio ads.  This is extremely welcome news, indeed!

     You explained that since obtaining sponsorships is outsourced, you were completely unaware that Home Depot had come in as an "in kind" sponsor for kitchen equipment valued at $25,000.  We realize how difficult it is to obtain event sponsorship, and your decision to turn down this particular sponsor  will be very much appreciated by the overwhelming majority of Grove residents who have struggled so hard for over a year to keep Home Depot's industrial warehouse from its C-1 commercial district.  We take great delight that you, as president of the Arts Festival and as a long time Grovite, support and understand that the Grove is not the place for a Big Box warehouse.  I am sure I speak not just for the Grove First, but for all of the organizations, associations and residents in acknowledging this great gesture from you and the Coconut Grove Arts Festival.

Very truly yours,
 

Marc David Sarnoff
The Grove First (Say No to Home Depot)

cc:  Cocoanut Grove Village Council
Dub Evins, Pres., Coconut Grove Chamber of Commerce
Will Johnson, President of HOATA
Sue McConnell, Village of Center Grove