SEATTLE -- One Reel, which organizes the annual Family 4th at Lake Union fireworks celebration, announced that several key sponsors from last year are in place for this year. Now only $200,000 must be raised.
"We're happy to announce that we are over halfway of reaching our fundraising goals for this year, and today we're launching a public campaign fundraising to push us to the finish line," said One Reel Executive Director Jon Stone.
Stone said Starbucks and Microsoft each pledged $125,000 each to the Family 4th celebration. One Reel's goal now is to raise the remaining $200,000 in community-based pledges and corporate sponsorships by March 1st. Community members are invited to visit http://family4th.org to make a donation.
The Family 4th at Lake Union is a cherished tradition in Seattle that attracts some 50,000 spectators to the Lake Union area, and some 200,000 viewers watch the fantastic fireworks display on KING 5.
But last July it was uncertain whether there would be a fireworks show at all after Chase Bank dropped its sponsorship - until a group of 300 donors stepped in to sponsor the event.
Seattle restaurateur Tom Douglas and radio personality Dave Ross stepped up to the plate to round up support, and they did it in 24 hours.
“Last year was an amazing experience seeing how this community came together to save the show,” said Stone. “We are so grateful to Tom Douglas and Dave Ross for spearheading last year’s fundraising effort and for all the companies, families and individuals who rallied in support of the event. We’re confident we’ll see the same level of enthusiasm this year.”
Stone said One Reel is raising money for the Family 4th one year at a time right now.
"The old model since the beginning of the event over 20 years ago was for one corporate donor to write one large check to hold the event, but we don't think that's a long term viable solution," said Stone. "By allowing everyone to contribute to the fireworks show, that provides a much broader base and stable platform to move forward with."
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