Even as Livermore Fireworks Committee is planning the logistics of bringing back the annual July 4^th celebration and fireworks display, our top priority is to raise the money and fundraising plans are kindling. Efforts include a community event, gathering community donations and corporate sponsors, selling t-shirts, and participating in fundraising activities. Everyone in the community can get involved.

The community is invited to an evening of food, wine, beer, entertainment and fun on Thursday, March 22, 2012 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Robert Livermore Community Center’s Cresta Blanca Room. Admission is $20 at the door. 

A local favorite, vocalist and guitarist Roger Kardinal, will provide entertainment as light appetizers from Double Barrel Wine Bar compliment wines from Thomas Coyne and Little Valley wineries and Sierra Nevada beer. The Winemaker's Pour House will also provide appetizers. A raffle will be held for gift baskets and autographed sports memorabilia.  

Committee members Barbara Torrison and Kitt Gilmour have received enthusiastic support from local merchants, restaurants, and wineries while seeking items for the raffle — the extensive list of generous donors is on our website. Unique items such as a John Madden autographed football and painting from local artist Carolyn Ramsey round out the raffle prizes.  

Any restaurants, caterers, or wineries who want to join the fun should send an email to livermorefireworks@gmail.com or call Committee Chairperson Wendy Weathers at 925-963-8019. Anyone interested in helping with the evening should send an email to livermorefirewoks@gmail.com with “March 22 Volunteer” as the subject.

Livermore City Council Member Laureen Turner lit the fuse for the community donations by committing to donate the balance of her campaign funds (about $800) to the Livermore Fireworks. So if you can’t join the fun on March 22, you may join Laureen and mail or deliver charitable donations to:

Attn: Sandra Kaya

Livermore Fireworks

c/o LARPD Foundation 

4444 East Avenue, Livermore  CA 94550

Make checks payable to LARPD Foundation — note in memo "Livermore Fireworks."

As Treasurer, Committee Member Ron Freeman, a local dentist, is working to establish a trust bank account at Tri-Valley Bank which will allow us to accept
online donations soon. 

Following a supportive meeting with Livermore Chamber of Commerce President, CEO Dale Kaye facilitated by City Council Member Stewart Gary, Ron Freeman and fellow committee member Tara Lindstrom, local Carl’s Jr. franchise owner, are working to create a sponsorship packages for local businesses modeled after the chamber’s sponsorship levels.   

Ron and Tara will be contacting local businesses soon to garner a long list of corporate sponsors. Any businesses that can’t wait for a call from Ron or Tara should e-mail livermorefireworks@gmail.com or call 925-963-8019.

You’ll soon be able to buy a t-shirt showing your support to Bring Back the Livermore Fireworks. Councilmember Stu Gary and his wife, Cindy, are donating the t-shirts. Cindy is also working with SlicART Custom Apparel to design and produce the t-shirts — SlicART is generously waving the set-up fee. The $20 t-shirts will be sold at the March 22 fundraising event and at various locations around town, so continue checking here, on our website, Facebook page, and on twitter so you don’t miss out on purchasing a t-shirt.

The committee is exploring other ways to raise funds and involve fellow Livermore residents, so keep checking back with us to learn how you can get involved. A little bit of effort by many will allow us all to enjoy the spectacular Livermore firework display as we celebrate our nation’s independence July 4,2012 and into the future.