FairPoint Communications is Presenting Sponsor for USS New Hampshire Commissioning Celebration
Portsmouth NH (September 30, 2008) - FairPoint Communications has answered the call of the USS New Hampshire Community Commissioning Committee and announced that they will be a Presenting Sponsor for the commissioning celebration, donating $15,000 to "Support Our Submarine."
According to Doug Bates, vice-chairman of the Committee, the funds will be put to immediate use to secure a Jumbotron "television screen" so the Navy's official commissioning ceremony on October 25th at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard can be viewed by the public from Prescott Park. "There is limited space on the dock at the Shipyard, so only about 3000 tickets were made available to the sub crew's families and members of the general public," he said. "As the host city, Portsmouth and our Committee members wanted to make sure as many people could view the proceedings as possible. Prescott Park kindly made their prime viewing location across the river from the Shipyard available. The generous donation from FairPoint Communications opens the event to as wide an audience as we could accommodate."
In making the announcement of the donation, Chip Underhill, Marketing Manager New Hampshire for FairPoint Communications said, "The commissioning of the USS New Hampshire is a once in a lifetime event. There has not been a Navy ship named 'New Hampshire' since 1923. FairPoint is sending a clear signal that we support our submarine, we support the Shipyard that means so much to the families and communities of the Seacoast and we are proud to be a Lead Sponsor of what promises to be a fabulous celebration here in Portsmouth."
The Committee estimates that the cost of the community celebration will be approximately $300,000, based on the experience of other cities who have hosted US Navy Commissioning events. Sponsorships are available at many levels, from $25,000 Marquis Sponsors to $3 donations from individuals who receive an Official USS New Hampshire Commissioning Celebration button in return. Visit www.ussnewhampshire.org and click on "Support Our Submarine" or for more information about USS NEW HAMPSHIRE Commissioning Celebration sponsorship opportunities, call Mike Daigle at 603-778-8985 or email mdaigle@datarisk.com
About FairPoint
FairPoint Communications, Inc. is an industry leading provider of communications services to communities across the country. Today, FairPoint owns and operates local exchange companies in 18 states offering advanced communications with a personal touch including local and long distance voice, data, Internet, television and broadband services. FairPoint is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol FRP. Learn more at www.FairPoint.com.
The USS New Hampshire Commissioning Committee operates under the auspices of the Navy League of New Hampshire, Portsmouth NH Council, a 501(c)3 organization. Your donation is tax deductible to the extent allowed by IRS regulations. Tax ID#51-0668823
Events
10/19 USS New Hampshire arrived in Portsmouth 11:15 am
Click here for news.
Thru 11/2 Scarecrows of the Port Festival
Downtown merchants present first annual "Scarecrows in the Port" harvest festival, commissioning celebration and welcome to the crew and their families.
10/25/2008 US Navy Commissioning Ceremony, 10 am
10/27/2008 USS New Hampshire departs, 12:20 pm