LAWRENCE: Donations still needed for fireworks show

By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
   The Fourth of July is less than eight weeks away, but only $8,300 has been raised toward the goal of $20,000 to pay for the township’s annual Fourth of July fireworks show, according to Steven Groeger, the township’s superintendent of recreation.
   But there is still time for township residents to contribute toward the cost of the show, which is no longer funded by the township, Mr. Groeger said. Township Council had included money in the municipal budget for the fireworks show, but it was eliminated from the budget starting in 2010.
   That’s when private fund-raising efforts — coordinated by the Lawrence Township Recreation Department — were launched to pay for the fireworks show, which has been held at Rider University for the past several years.
   ”Last year, we were very successful in raising money to provide a fireworks show at the same level as years gone by,” Mr. Groeger said. “There were no funds from the township. It came from donations by local businesses and township residents, and money we raised through different events like the Red White and Bang (children’s) triathlon.”
   Mr. Groeger said efforts to raise money for the 2012 fireworks show began before the last fireworks shell exploded last year. Members of the township’s Recreation Advisory Committee sold glow sticks at the fireworks show at Rider, for example, he said.
   The second Red White and Bang children’s triathlon, held Labor Day weekend, raised more money, he said.
   Mayor Jim Kownacki has donated the $100 fee he receives for performing weddings, and the senior citizens at the Lawrence Senior Center donate money every week. A lot of “little bits” help, he said.
   Donation canisters have been distributed to businesses throughout Lawrence, from Bossio’s Deli, Varsity Pizza and the Tastee Sub Shop on Lawrence Road to Chuckles’ Pizza and the Manors Deli at The Manors Corner Shopping Center.
   Mr. Groeger pointed out that if every one of the 33,000 township residents donated $1, there would be more than enough money for the fireworks show. In fact, the show could be twice as large as it has ever been.
   The fireworks shells cost about $10,000, and the rest of the targeted amount of $20,000 — or $10,000 — is used to cover overtime costs for police officers, the fire marshal and the entertainment.
   ”Clearly, this is an event that people enjoy. People come out to spend time with their family and friends. It is probably our largest community event. But for it to be successful, we need help. We are hoping that we can pick up the pace (of fund-raising),” Mr. Groeger said.