Rotary kicks off 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular fundraising campaign
By Peggy Kelly
Santa Paula News
Published: February 08, 2013
A true community effort that highlights patriotism and America’s history was formally kicked off Monday when members of the Santa Paula Fireworks Spectacular Committee made a presentation to the City Council.
Ginger Gherardi said she and other members of the Santa Paula Rotary Club - Fire Chief Rick Araiza, Al Guilin and Michelle Johns - were starting the community fundraising effort. The Rotary Club stepped up in 2010 and led the fundraising for the event after the annual fireworks display became a victim of the troubled economy and was cancelled by the city in 2009.
Gherardi said there are others that serve on the committee that soon will be placing donation cans on merchants’ counters throughout Santa Paula. “We’ve started the fundraising process” well in advance, said Gherardi, because the fireworks contract that has to be signed in March requires a 50 percent deposit.
It is expected that the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular will again live up to its name: “We expect we’ll have another great show,” and Gherardi said the public is encouraged to ensure same by donating to the cause.
The community is asked to “put a few pennies or dollars” in the clearly marked and patriotic themed red, white and blue donation cans, donations that will join those of corporate and private sponsors. “It’s truly a community project” that Gherardi noted has been successful for the past two years in raising the $15,000 annual cost of the pyrotechnic display.
You can be patriotic and guarantee a real celebration by supporting the 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular that pays homage to the nation’s creation, those “bombs bursting in air” that gave proof through the night to those first Americans that their struggle to form a more perfect union was a just cause.
The Fireworks Spectacular is held each year at Harding Park on the 1400 block of East Harvard Boulevard. But people don’t have to go to the park to enjoy the show, as the fireworks are visible throughout most of the city. Numerous residents plan traditional barbecues and viewing parties held at their own homes, while others have a favorite viewing spot where they can enjoy the spectacular display honored July 4, 1776, Independence Day.
To make a donation, checks can be made out to Santa Paula Rotary - Fireworks, and sent to P.O. Box 809 Santa Paula, CA 93061. For more information, contact Gherardi at ggherardi@verizon.net or call (805) 933-0028, or Guilin at al.guilin@verizon.net or call (805) 525-8839.
Said Gherardi, “We encourage folks to donate a few dollars or more, whatever they can so we can have a great show again,” as well as a great show of community support.
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