Bridgeport Bridgeview events committee finalizes Mayor’s Ball sponsorship tiers and ticketing plan

At a July 13, 2026 meeting of the Bridgeport Bridgeview Events Committee in Port Richey City, committee members finalized sponsorship tier names, resolved redundancy between table and sponsorship levels, and agreed on next steps for ticketing, production and fundraising for the Mayor’s Ball benefiting the charity named in the event materials.

The committee moved to remove a standalone low-tier “table sponsor” option and instead bundle table benefits into the higher sponsorship levels. Members discussed proposed giving levels in the draft sponsorship packet: a presenting level at $10,000, a $5,000 tier, $2,500 and $1,500 levels, plus a low-recognition level (listed in the packet as $500). "By doing it that way, it would be the most popular, which would prevent people from actually sponsoring," the Chair said, arguing that a separate low-cost table sponsor could cannibalize larger gifts. Committee members generally agreed to limit the presenting 'Big Apple' sponsor to one buyer and allow multiple $5,000 'Times Square' sponsors.

The Chair outlined ticket and capacity assumptions and an early budget example: about 400–425 seats, estimated food costs roughly $60–$65 per person, and ticket pricing discussed at approximately $125 per seat. Using conservative ticket-only sales at that capacity, committee estimates showed net proceeds in the low‑to‑mid $20,000s before sponsorship revenue. "Whatever's left over, 80% goes to the charity, 20% stays any events committee," the Chair said, proposing an 80/20 split of net proceeds (after event costs) between the named charity and Port Richey Advance to support future city events.

Secretary Kim LeCary said she would update the sponsorship flyer and packet quickly and warned of production deadlines: the packet includes a 30‑day cutoff for sponsor logos and the committee discussed sending materials to print by the end of August to meet timelines. "I can update pretty quick. I just have to get the flyer done," Secretary Kim LeCary said.

For ticketing, the committee discussed using a nonprofit ticketing platform (referred to in the meeting as Zephy). Secretary Kim LeCary explained verification and fee mechanics, including that the platform defaults to a 15% fee but can be adjusted to 0% so the city receives full ticket revenue: committee members favored the online recordkeeping benefits and agreed to pursue platform verification and configuration.

The committee also discussed commemorative coins and a program booklet. Past runs were cited at roughly 500 coins; members debated dating the coins versus producing an undated coin honoring first responders to allow reuse. Program advertising sizes and sponsor logo placement were discussed, with the Chair and Secretary assigning next steps to finalize ad sizes and page layouts.

Logistics items included obtaining three vendor quotes for decorations and confirming whether the venue will waive room fees and include setup items such as a dance floor. The committee asked staff to follow up with prior vendors used for the Centennial event and to obtain competitive quotes.

The committee moved on next steps: finalize and approve the sponsorship packet edits, secure the presenting sponsor quickly to meet printing deadlines, set the ticketing platform configuration, and obtain vendor quotes for decoration and production. A motion to adjourn was made and seconded; the meeting concluded by voice vote.

The committee did not take any formal recorded roll-call votes on sponsorship levels or proceeds; those implementation details were left to staff follow-up and future confirmation.