Unity Festival organizers received a boost from a cellular service provider this week in

order to ensure the concerts will go on as planned.

Nextel Partners and Nextel Authorized Dealer, Computer and Data Network Services,

donated $1,900 worth of wireless phones and service, including Direct ConnectSM digital

walkie-talkie service, to the Unity Festival in order to enhance coordination and

communication at the event.

According to Daniel DiGuglielmo, Nextel Partners general manager, this is the first time

the company has made such a donation to event organizers.

“Offering instant contact in less than a second, Nextel’s walkie-talkie service is a great tool

for enhancing staff and volunteer coordination&045;from event set-up to directing traffic&045;and

improving visitors’ experience at the Labor Day festival,” DiGuglielmo said.

The Unity Festival begins this Friday evening at the Elks Lodge Outdoor Pavilion on

Water Avenue with a talent contest.

Throughout the rest of the weekend, a wide variety of bands are scheduled to entertain the

crowds during the event.

Too Tuff Entertainment President Roosevelt Johnson said the three-day event is a

multicultural celebration of Selma’s historical diversity and allows citizens to come

together in a family-orientated setting.

“We are going to bridge the gap between Selma’s two communities in the spirit of Labor

Day and Unity,” Roosevelt said.

Selma’s Unity Festival is the latest community event supported by Nextel Partners, which

donates thousands of dollars worth of wireless phones and free service to local community

groups, events, and nonprofit organizations.

“With more than 60 staff and volunteers and 7,000 attendees expected at this year’s event,

efficient communication and coordination is critical to the Festival’s success,” said

Cassandra Moten, coordinator of the Labor Day Festival. “With access to Nextel’s Direct

Connect and cellular services, we will be able to quickly reach staff members and

volunteers throughout the event and keep the festival running smoothly.”

Nextel Partners currently serves the greater Montgomery area, including Auburn,

Greenville, Luverne, Millbrook, Prattville, Selma, Troy and Wetumpka.