Although the city can no longer fund the display, they will continue to supply all services including police, fire and logistical support required by the celebration. “We’ve had a lot of cooperation from the city and Fire Chief Rick Araiza,” and the only component missing, said Gherardi, is more money, “although we’ve got a good start” with donations already coming in.“In effect, we are saying we know the city can’t afford this and we’ll all step up to the plate and make this happen for the community.... And hopefully the community can,” including those more than 100 area businesses sent letters about the fundraising effort.“This group that met felt it was such an important thing we felt pretty confident we would raise the money.” Otherwise, noted Guilin, “we wouldn’t have taken on the venture.”Guilin and the others recognize the distressed economy - as well as attempting to raise funds for a July event - is a double challenge, but “we’re confident.... And we believe it’s an important holiday to be honored, so we’ll give it a whirl.”Donors can send a check made out to the “Santa Paula Rotary Club - Fireworks” and mail it to P.O. Box 809, Santa Paula, CA 93061. The Rotary Club Benefit Fund is a (501c3) non-profit organization and contributions are tax deductible.By donating, said Gherardi, “Together we can once again celebrate our Independence Day in Santa Paula.”
Fundraising for July 4th Fireworks Spectacular underway
November 18, 2009
Santa Paula News
Those leading the effort to again celebrate Independence Day in Santa Paula with a patriotic fireworks display know donors will get more bang for their buck - at least 10 percent more bang - when they contribute to reviving the holiday tradition.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesThose leading the effort to again celebrate Independence Day in Santa Paula with a patriotic fireworks display know donors will get more bang for their buck - at least 10 percent more bang - when they contribute to reviving the holiday tradition. Led by Santa Paula Rotary Club’s John Chamberlain, Ginger Gherardi and Al Guilin, the drive to return fireworks to Santa Paula is already seeing results.“Most people want to see it happen,” said Gherardi, and it is expected that fireworks collection cans will be placed at area restaurants and businesses in coming months. If one-half of the $15,000 cost of a gala July 4th Fireworks Spectacular is paid by December 15, Gherardi said the pyrotechnic company will throw in another 10 percent on top of the fireworks on order.“Then we have until July to pay the balance.... Fundraising has been good,” although Gherardi said there is “no real organized group, but we have people representing various different groups and organizations” as well as individuals working on the fireworks effort.According to the fundraising letter, the very nature of the nation is rooted in the Declaration of Independence and the ideal of freedom. “Men and women have sacrificed their lives to protect that ideal and the values our Country stands for,” and every year “we celebrate the Fourth of July with fireworks as a reminder of the legacy given to us by our country’s founders.”Recent financial challenges prevented the City sponsorship of the 2009 Fireworks Spectacular; although held at Harding Park, the patriotic sky show was visible from throughout the city. Gherardi and Guilin and other supporters - including the Optimist and Kiwanis clubs and Santa Paula Police and Fire personnel, among others - know the need to recognize the Fourth of July in Santa Paula is even more important now, and a tradition that should be continued.
