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Date: 5/14/2015
EAST LONGMEADOW – The annual Fourth of July fireworks are guaranteed to take place this year.
Nine local businesses have rallied together to donate $1,000 each in support of the Fourth of July fireworks spearheaded by the East Longmeadow Jaycees, which faced a $6,000 shortfall for the festivities.
Center Square Grill owner Bill Collins told Reminder Publications he heard that the annual fireworks were jeopardy through news sources and he and owner Michael Sakey initiated a plan to keep the annual tradition alive.
“The next morning [on May 7] we both went into work and we both kind of brought it up at the same time,” Collins explained. “It was serendipitous and so he said, ‘Look, we have to do something.’ We just came upon a year of business in the town. The town’s been completely supportive of us and we’ve got tons of regulars. Everybody takes really good care of us.”
Collins called Maureen Basile of the East Longmeadow Jaycees that same day and told her initially that he would donate $1,000 and invite other business owners.
“I called her back and I said, ‘No. Forget the $1,000. I guarantee that if nobody comes in with me for the $6,000, I’ll put the $6,000, but I’m going to do my best to get some support in the business community,’” he added.
This phone conversation occurred around 11 a.m., Collins noted. By 2:30 p.m., $9,000 had been raised from various business owners. All of the eight other business owners that Collins asked to donate $1,000 did so.
The list of businesses that donated in support of the Fourth of July fireworks include Frank Fitzgerald Attorneys at Law, Burgess, Shultz, and Robb, Continuum Performance Center, Robert Charles Photography, Arnold’s Meats, The Arbors Kids, Bay State Rug, Center Square Grill, and Acres Power Equipment.
The Jaycees also have a GoFundMe page, which has thus far raised $1,435 of a $15,000 goal. An update on the page dated May 6 states that the company that makes the fireworks will match fundraising efforts up to $7,500. The total cost for the fireworks is $7,500 and additional costs include items such as police and fire services for the entire week of the carnival.
“With the $9,000, we’ll expect that they’ll cover the fireworks, the police details, and maybe have a little money in the till for next year’s event,” Collins said.
He added that for Center Square Grill the Fourth of July is a day for him that’s bad for business.
“You’re in business not to just make money,” Collins said. “You have to give back and this is something the community really enjoys.”
Sakey, in a press release, said the East Longmeadow community has been supportive of Center Square Grill and “we need to make sure we give back; it’s cyclical.”
Center Square Grill will also set up a donation area in the restaurant for patrons to donate funds for the fireworks.
“I just hope that it’s well attended and that everybody who goes to it has a great time,” Collins said.