Gasworks_seattle_fireworks_2.jpg

Seattle saves its fireworks show

April 1, 2010 @ 10:02 am (Updated: 11:46 am - 4/2/10 )

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MyNorthwest.com Staff

Call it a grass roots effort or just a whirlwind fury of fundraising, local businesses stepped up to raise funds in a drive kicked off by 97.3 KIRO FM's Dave Ross and Seattle chef Tom Douglas to save Seattle's 4th of July fireworks show.

We're pleased to announce, with your help we have reached the goal of raising $500,000 in pledges. According to One Reel, the nonprofit that organizes the show, that is the amount needed to keep the show going.

On Thursday's Dave Ross Show, Seattle restaurateur and chef Tom Douglas pledged $5,000 to keep the show going after its cancellation due to the slumping economy and the collapse of Washington Mutual.

Douglas put out the challenge to Seattle area businesses to contribute what they could to keep a 4th of July fireworks show in Seattle.

Calls and emails started pouring in from businesses large and small, bringing in tens of thousands of dollars to keep the fireworks show alive.

Microsoft and Starbucks agreed to match $125,000 each to return fireworks to Lake Union, bringing the total raised to $500,000.

Bill Pettit, of Merrill Gardens, called in to the Dave Ross Show Friday morning to announce the final pledge.

One Reel looked for 15 months for a new sponsor. Seattle-based bank Washington Mutual had been the sponsor of the show for eight years before it collapsed in 2008. Chase, which absorbed Washington Mutual, agreed to sponsor the show for one year.

One Reel will continue to look for a sponsor for 2011.

Seattle's other major fireworks show - one sponsored by the restaurant chain Ivar's - folded in 2009 due to costs.

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Comments (53)


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  • RnD_Fan wrote...
    Waste of money
    April 1, 2010 11:45 am
    "Tens of thousands of dollars?"

    How about driving down my street and throwing it out the window, I'll make better use of it.

    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Barking Frog wrote...
    TO: RnD_Fan
    April 1, 2010 12:01 pm
    I realize these are tough times but come on! This will definitely be an economic boost for the businesses on Lake Union during the 4th of July show! If people have the money to spend thousands of dollars on this show ... who are you to criticize?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • bora wrote...
    I agree waste of money
    April 1, 2010 1:27 pm
    Do you want to advertise my company for that?
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • yellowjeep95 wrote...
    TO: bora
    April 1, 2010 1:36 pm
    How about we advertise your business for thinking it's a waste of money...I think that sounds like a great idea.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • dori monson fan wrote...
    bora, rnd
    April 1, 2010 2:04 pm
    the only way you can say it is a waste of money is if you have never seen the show up close. Go rent a kayak and get out there for an evening. You'd like it. Have a couple beers and enjoy yourselves.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • Jdeepinit wrote...
    go ...
    April 1, 2010 2:11 pm
    buy your own sparkler!! Support our Indians
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DJSCB wrote...
    Lower Donation Limit
    April 1, 2010 2:16 pm
    I would be happy to donate $100 or so.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • robthom2001 wrote...
    I suggest....
    April 1, 2010 2:30 pm
    we round up all the bankers and light their hair on fire and have them run around on a barge. Ivar Haglund must be spinning in his grave.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • dori monson fan wrote...
    soyon
    April 1, 2010 3:38 pm
    are you sure 100% goes to the cause? Pretty sure paypal takes a pretty big cut, maybe 5% or so.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
  • DJSCB wrote...
    Individual Donations
    April 1, 2010 3:49 pm
    I just got word back from One Reel that they are setting up an official donation feature on the event website: http://www.familyfourth.org/ Word is, it should be ready in a few hours.
    { "Thumbs Up":"1","Thumbs Down":"-1" }
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