Fireworks will fill the sky over New Rochelle on July 4 after all.
The city’s annual Grucci display by Echo Bay was thrown into doubt when the City Council cut the $75,000 for it from the current budget, as well as the money for Memorial Day and Thanksgiving parades.
The city had collected donations to cover the parades earlier, but had not gotten the larger sum needed for the July 4 pyrotechnics and to cover the overtime for police, fire and other city employees. Until now.
This press release just came in from City Hall:
July 4th Fireworks Saved
Annual “Spark the Sound” Event Sponsored by Local Foundation, Community Support
Grucci Fireworks will once again light up the night in New Rochelle on July 4th, thanks to the generosity of a local foundation and numerous community partners.
In April, the City of New Rochelle began soliciting funds for the City’s three main community events: the Memorial Day and Thanksgiving Parades, and the July 4th Fireworks. While funding for the parades was nearly complete, the fireworks still lacked a primary sponsor. This week, that need was met by the S.E.L.F.-Help Foundation, Inc., a local not-for-profit organization in New Rochelle. Their contribution coupled with those of other donors enables the event to take place as hoped.
“The donation was given out of respect for America and love for New Rochelle,” said Guru Madeleine, Founder and President of the S.E.L.F.- Help Foundation, Inc. “In keeping with our Mission Statement, it is up to us as individual citizens to show we care, and participate as vibrant members on every level. This gift was an opportunity to put our faith into action.”
“The exceptional generosity of this donation, along with support from others, will permit thousands of families to once again observe our nation’s founding with a terrific celebration,” said New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson. “On behalf of a grateful community, I offer sincere thanks.”
The “Spark the Sound” Independence Day Fireworks Display will begin at 9:30 p.m. on Wednesday July 4, rain or shine. Fireworks can be seen from waterfront parks and especially Hudson and Five Islands.
There is still opportunity to contribute to the City’s cultural events fundraising campaign for 2012 and beyond. Checks can be made payable to the “City of New Rochelle Parks and Recreation Gift Catalogue Fund” and sent to the City of New Rochelle Parks and Recreation Office, 515 North Avenue, New Rochelle, New York 10801. Donations can be earmarked for a specific event or for general use. For any additional information, please contact Parks and Recreation Commissioner Bill Zimmermann at (914) 654-2092.
