Donations for fireworks display needed through May 7 to secure fireworks launch team

GRAND ISLAND – To secure the professional setup and launch for this year’s USA 250 community fireworks display, the Grand Island Community Fireworks Committee is asking for donations during Go Big Give.

“H and H Concrete Construction and LAX Concrete Pumping and Placement have pledged to match donations up to $2,500 during Go Big Give,” said Josh Smidt, a member of the fireworks committee. “All it takes is 25 people giving $100 or 50 people giving $50 for us to raise $5,000.”

Booking for this year’s USA 250 event was required two years ago because of anticipated demand. Now, the fireworks committee needs to secure the professional setup and launch team with a payment.

Last fall, the overall fundraising goal for the fireworks celebration was increased from $40,000 to $60,000 in light of this year’s special anniversary. Although the fireworks committee keeps a small financial reserve, it is needed for expenses that come outside the fundraising cycle. So far, 20 businesses have given toward the fireworks, including Sky Rocket Sponsors Hornady and Island Heating and Air. Fifteen individuals have also given.

Businesses and individuals can give tax-deductible donations during Go Big Give at gobiggive.org by searching “Fireworks”. You may also give during a Food Truck Festival, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 2 in the parking lot at 1st and Locust Streets in Grand Island. Food trucks include Hangries, Dawgs on the Run, Mamita’s Tacos, and The Snow. Following the Go Big Give deadline of midnight, May 7, donations may be sent to the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation.

“Fireworks are such an iconic way to celebrate the 4th of July, and with this year being so special, we’re launching from Stuhr Museum,” said Smidt. “It’s the perfect place to celebrate our history.”

For more information on the Grand Island Community Fireworks celebration, contact Dana Jelinek at (308) 382-4400 or by visiting the Grand Island Fireworks Celebration Facebook page.

The Grand Island Community Fireworks Display is a component project of the Greater Grand Island Community Foundation.