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Pat Summers to direct Sonoma Film Festival sponsorship effort

The Sonoma International Film Festival recently named local resident and businesswoman Pat Summers, director of sponsorship. Summers is the founder of Summers-McCann, Inc, a local public relations firm.
“Pat has been a friend of our Film Festival since its early years. We are fortunate to have found an individual with many long term relationships and tremendous experience with event sponsorships,” said Kevin McNeely, SIFF Executive Director. “Pat introduced media and corporation sponsorship to Sonoma Valley events more than 20 years ago. Sponsorship, along with individual supporters and filmgoers, is key to The Festival’s success. Proper funding allows us to produce a successful festival, unique and educational monthly Film Society events, and to support our growing high school and middle school media arts programs.” 

“I am thrilled to have been chosen to serve as director of sponsorship for SIFF– and to be working in my own community with an excellent organization I believe in,” said Summers.  “The good will and team work with staff, board, and volunteers is extremely positive and inspiring.”

Summers and McNeely are in the process of meeting with past sponsors; all of whom they say have been extremely supportive to date, while reaching out to potential new sponsors. 

“We hope to involve as many local businesses as possible, as well as corporations from outside of the area that have a connection with the arts, food, wine and travel. SIFF has a lot to offer as one of the top ten destination film festivals in the United States,” Summers points out. “The local business community stands to benefit from increased travel, and the presence of art in the community improves quality of life in general.”
For information about the 2012 Festival (April 11-15),  call 933-2600 or visit www.sonomafilmfest.org.