ESL Federal Credit Union Announced as New Title Sponsor for 2025 ESL Rochester Fringe Festival
Rochester, NY — Rochester Fringe Festival Board of Directors and ESL Federal Credit Union today announced that the Rochester-based financial institution will be the new title sponsor of the 2025 ESL Rochester Fringe Festival.
With nearly a million attendants and 6,700 performances over the past 13 seasons, the Rochester Fringe Festival is one of the largest and most successful fringe festivals in the nation. It is also the largest multidisciplinary performing arts festival in New York State, and one of the region’s most anticipated festivals each year, featuring theater, music, comedy, dance and more.
“The entire board is thrilled to partner with ESL to support one of the premier fringe events in the country,” said Board Chair Mark A. Costello. “So much time, energy and resources are needed to make Rochester Fringe a success and ensure a wide variety of programming for the whole community to enjoy. By supporting Fringe, ESL is making our city an even better place to live and experience.”
The ESL title sponsorship underscores its commitment to Rochester’s vibrancy and prosperity through investment in arts and culture.
“We are proud to be the title sponsor of the 2025 ESL Rochester Fringe Festival,” said Faheem Masood, President & CEO, ESL Federal Credit Union. “During Fringe, the city comes together to celebrate the talent and creativity that’s alive and well in our community. This support represents more than a festival—it’s an opportunity to foster connection within our shared community and enrich the culture of Greater Rochester through the arts.”
ESL Federal Credit Union serves as a full-service financial institution to more than 436,000 members and 16,800 businesses in the Greater Rochester area. The company provides personal banking, business banking, mortgage services, and wealth management services; employs approximately 950 people; and holds more than $9.5 billion in assets.
The essential spirit that motivates ESL to do its best for its members is part of its DNA. Local businessman—and one of the greatest philanthropists of the 20th century—George Eastman founded Eastman Savings and Loan, now ESL, in 1920. A gifted entrepreneur and inventor, Eastman built Eastman Kodak Company into one of the world’s leading corporations. But he also had a heartfelt interest in his employees and the surrounding community. During his lifetime, he made generous contributions to healthcare, education and music.
“The commitment from ESL to the community—and to non-profits like us—is truly unparalleled,” said Erica Fee, founding Festival Producer. “Just as George Eastman modeled, every day the team at ESL helps people live their best quality lives and invests in programs that help the city to prosper in meaningful ways.”
The 2025 ESL Rochester Fringe Festival run dates are September 9–20. The entire festival lineup will be announced in July when all tickets will be placed on sale.
