Sourcing sponsorship dollars to underwrite some of the expenses related to producing a major outdoor concert in the Diaspora has always proven to be a major challenge for Caribbean festival organizers. This year, Groovin’ In The Park has secured sponsorship from Colgate-Palmolive, an innovative growth company that is reimaging a healthier future for all.
“The significant level of Colgate’s sponsorship demonstrates their strong commitment to helping the Jamaican/Caribbean community in the diaspora,” said Christopher Roberts, CEO of Groovin Inc.

Groovin’ In The Park is one of the first Jamaican/Caribbean festivals in the tri-state area that Colgate-Palmolive has sponsored at this level. Roberts cited reasons ranging from an impressive A-list rooster roster that includes music icon like Charlie ‘Uncle Charlie’ Wilson, Grammy nominated Queen of Dancehall Spice, Tarrus Riley, Wayne Wonder, Baby Cham, Frisco Kid, Minister Marion Hall and mainstream/ethnic exposure as reasons why the festival has turned into a full fledged marketing opportunity for sponsors.

Greg Malcolm, vice president and Controller, Colgate-Palmolive, was ecstatic about partnering with Groovin’ for a second time, saying the company is committed to reimagining a healthier future for all people, their pets and our planet.

“To help us fulfill our purpose, we support the communities where we live, work and sell. Participating in Groovin’ in the Park is one way we deliver a positive impact to our community and we are thrilled to be such a major part of this year’s Groovin in the Park. The festival is an important community event that not only includes a great day of entertainment, but also fulfills our mission to elevate engagement within the Caribbean community.”

Malcolm shared, “Growing up in Jamaica, I witnessed first hand the incredible brand presence of Colgate and how it resonates with Jamaicans. While working for the company, I have had the privilege of working, living and traveling all over the world and have also witnessed the strength of our brands in many of these markets.”

Groovin’ in the Park Concert 2019 Colgate Truck. Photo courtesy Groovin’ In The Park

Eugene Kelly, vice president, Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Colgate-Palmolive, said that the company is committed to driving impact in our communities and highlighted Colgate’s Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® (BSBF) initiative and the Colgate Women’s Games as two success stories.

“Bright Smiles, Bright Futures is our flagship oral health initiative that has reached over 1.6 billion children around the globe in over 100 countries. In the US, our BSBF mobile dental vans travel to rural and urban communities and provide free dental screenings and activities that encourage healthy habits leading to healthy smiles. This is an initiative that is also executed in the countries across the Caribbean through our local partners in those markets.”

The Colgate Women’s Games, which has been in existence since 1974, is the largest indoor track and field competition for girls and women in the US.

Kelly said, “The series, open to all young women from elementary school through college and beyond, creates pathways for female athletes to achieve their athletic potential and pursue their educational goals by competing for academic scholarships. It is great to see so many people from the Caribbean community participate in the Games.”

This year’s fully loaded Groovin’ In The Park concert will feature a four Continent Showcase with headliners Sir David Rodigan representing Europe; Bass Odyssey, the world champion sound representing The Americas; Yard Beat out of Japan representing Asia and Dynamq, the ‘River Nile Crocodile’ from South Sudan who will represent Africa.