The Ruskin area was once referred to as the ‘Salad Bowl of America’, mainly because of the wonderful vine-ripe ‘Ruskin Tomato’. The agricultural diversity of the area was celebrated annually at the popular Ruskin Tomato Festival. Nine years ago the festival was re-instated after a 30 year hiatus.

The Festival is now the major fund raiser for the Ruskin Community Development Foundation, Inc., a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation, established to improve life in the Ruskin area. Your sponsorship, whether in actual dollars or in-kind donation, will go a long way in supporting the many ongoing projects of the RCDF.

I would like to note that past Festivals have raised enough funds to allow us to start the re-landscaping of U.S. 41 through downtown Ruskin and to begin work on the restoration of Marsh Creek. These major projects are now underway and future funds will be used to see them through to completion, which will help enhance the atmosphere of downtown Ruskin, and hopefully help lead to a rebirth of the downtown district.

Enclosed with this letter is a sponsorship package which describes how your company can benefit from partnering with our festival. I will be contacting you shortly to discuss your interests, and how I can help you make the most of your sponsorship pledge.

We hope that you will be able to participate in this year’s annual celebration of Ruskin’s heritage- the Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival. Please keep in mind that due to our charitable status, any donations to the RCDF are tax deductible. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at (813) 645-3808.

Thank you for your time and interest!

The Ruskin Tomato & Heritage Festival Team