LAWRENCE: Fireworks fund working to reach $30,000 goal

By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
   With four months left until the Fourth of July fireworks show, Lawrence Township officials have raised about $11,000 toward the $30,000 goal to pay for what they hope will be one of the largest fireworks shows it has sponsored at the Rider University campus.
   Several fundraisers are in the works to help meet that goal, starting with two events at Enzo’s La Piccola restaurant March 5 and March 12, said Steven Groeger, the township’s superintendent of recreation.
   The Recreation Department has coordinated the private fundraising efforts for the Fourth of July fireworks show since 2010, when Township Council eliminated money for the show from the municipal budget.
   Enzo’s La Piccola restaurant, located at 1906 Princeton Ave., will donate $2 for every large pizza purchased in the dining room or for takeout, along with $2 for every Caesar salad that is purchased on March 5 and March 12.
   Advance ordering is recommended. Reservations for inside dining are required, according to a press release from the restaurant. Purchases must be made between 11 a.m. and 8 p.m.
   Another fundraiser is planned for May 9 at the Cheeburger Cheeburger restaurant at 3349-3370 Brunswick Pike at the Mercer Mall. The restaurant has pledged to donate 20 percent of a patron’s bill toward the fireworks fund if the patron brings in a special fundraiser flier between 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
   In the meantime, canisters have been distributed to area businesses so customers can make a donation toward the fireworks show, Mr. Groeger said. There are canisters at Bossio’s Deli, Varsity Pizza, Dunkin Donuts and the Tastee Sub Shop, all on Lawrence Road in the Eldridge Park neighborhood.
   There are canisters at Candela’s restaurant on Lawn Park Avenue, which is around the corner from the Lawrence Road businesses, and at Chuckles Pizza and Pasta restaurant at the Manors Corner Shopping Center on the Lawrenceville-Pennington Road.
   Mr. Groeger said residents may send a check, made payable to the Lawrence Township Recreation Department, with a note in the memo line that says “fireworks,” to help raise money for the annual event. Whether the donation is 12 cents in change dropped into a canister or a check for $5, every penny counts, he said.
   Mayor Jim Kownacki has been donating the $100 fee he receives for performing weddings, Mr. Groeger said. Mayor Kownacki and his predecessor, former Mayor Greg Puliti, agreed to donate the wedding ceremony fee toward the fireworks show.
   ”We have $11,000 right now, but I would like to raise an additional $20,000, which would put us at $30,000. Last year, we had a $15,000 show. I would like to have a $20,000 show this year and still have money left over toward the 2014 show,” he said.
   ”The hope is that between the donations, the fundraisers and the canisters, the public will demonstrate the desire to have a special occasion (on the Fourth of July). The past couple of years, they have done that (through their contributions),” he added.
   Mr. Groeger said the township Recreation Department is “absolutely” ready to help any group that would like to hold a fireworks fundraiser, by contacting the department weekdays between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. at 609-844-7067.