Saint Joseph to be Presenting Sponsor of Spotlight Lexington
Mayor Jim Newberry today announced that Saint Joseph Health System will be the presenting sponsor for Spotlight Lexington, the festival that will be held downtown during the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
“During the World Games, the eyes of the world will be on Lexington,” Newberry said. “We want to put our best foot forward and Saint Joseph will help us make Spotlight Lexington a first rate event.” Newberry thanked Gene Woods, CEO of Saint Joseph Health System, for his support.
Woods said Saint Joseph is “excited and honored to partner with the Mayor’s office to celebrate the beauty and excitement of this wonderful city” during Spotlight Lexington and the World Equestrian Games.
“As a corporate citizen and health organization of this community for more than 130 years, Saint Joseph has an unsurpassed legacy of outreach and involvement in Central and Eastern Kentucky,” Woods said. “This event will draw thousands of visitors from all over the world, and equally important, Spotlight Lexington will provide an opportunity for Kentuckians to come together as never before.”
Spotlight Lexington will begin on Sept. 24, 2010, one day before the Games, with an evening dedicated to local citizens called “Celebrate Spotlight Lexington.” The festival will continue through the evening of the final day of the Games, Oct. 10, 2010. The festival has a new website for citizens who want to know more about the festivities, www.spotlightlexky.com .
“On the website, citizens will find information about entertainment, volunteering, merchandise and social networking opportunities,” Newberry said.
Carolyn Richardson, chair of Lexington’s Host Committee for the World Games, said Saint Joseph’s support is invaluable. “We are planning an event that our entire community can be proud of and enjoy,” Richardson said. Each day, entertainment, arts and crafts or children’s activities will be planned at three locations downtown, the Robert F. Stephens Courthouse Plaza, Cheapside Park and Triangle Park, generally between noon and 9 p.m. Medaling presentation ceremonies to honor athletes will take place on the main stage in the Courthouse Plaza and broadcast of Games’ competitions will take place on a jumbo screen downtown.
Richard Weber, owner of Springhouse Gardens, is sponsoring the landscaping for the topiary in the Courthouse Plaza. Weber has already planted eight ivy plants, one representing each discipline in the World Games, at the base of the topiary. They will ultimately climb up the frame and cover it.
“The topiary will be a visual, growing reminder for Lexington citizens that the Games are getting closer and closer. I appreciate Mr. Weber’s support,” Newberry said.
Newberry said Lexington will need help from a variety of sponsors and volunteers. “To hold a party this big we will need a lot of support,” Newberry said. “But it is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for us, and I am determined to take full advantage of that opportunity.”
