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Narberth movie night praised; organizers cite 501(c)(3) alignment, fundraising oversight as obstacle to volunteer marketing help
Summary
Committee members praised April movie night turnout and discussed marketing and fundraising constraints after a resident volunteer couldn’t help with fundraising because his 501(c)(3) was not aligned with the borough. The group discussed future partnerships, sponsorship guidelines and outreach plans for events such as a fall/Halloween movie.
Organizers of Narberth’s April movie night told the committee the event was well received and that planners have ideas to build on the format for future events, but they flagged a fundraising and organizational hurdle that affected volunteer support.
Committee members said the vendor and resident participation exceeded expectations and that attendees enjoyed the relaxed, family-oriented atmosphere. A resident marketing volunteer, Jeremy Tullar, provided marketing help for the event but — according to meeting discussion — could not assist with fundraising or accept money on behalf of the borough because his 501(c)(3) organization is not formally aligned with the borough. Borough staff and the borough manager raised concerns about oversight and accounting if outside nonprofits collect funds or sponsorships without a formal agreement.
Committee members discussed options to preserve volunteer support for marketing while ensuring proper oversight of any funds raised. Ideas included: (1) use borough-recognized partners that have an existing fiscal relationship with the borough, (2) let independent volunteers advise on marketing but not collect funds, or (3) formalize a fiscal sponsorship arrangement before accepting sponsorship money.
Organizers also discussed potential program ideas: partnering downtown restaurants so attendees could pick up takeout to bring to the park, adding a Halloween-themed movie targeted at older children or teens in coordination with the business association’s existing Halloween parade, and replicating the relaxed, drive‑in style atmosphere that proved popular. Attendance peaked early — organizers estimated about 100 attendees at the start before numbers declined as it grew cold.
Staff and committee members agreed to keep marketing channels open (borough newsletter, local Facebook groups, school family networks) and to explore the volunteer’s marketing ideas while resolving the fundraising oversight issue with borough staff before any funds are collected or held by outside groups.
No formal policy changes were adopted at the meeting; staff were asked to follow up with the borough manager on possible fiscal-sponsorship approaches and to coordinate future outreach.
