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If you
are new to the area, you might have the misconception or
have heard through the grapevine that the Wolfe family funds
the fireworks display over the lake on July 3 every year.
Twelve years ago and years before his passing, John W. Wolfe
did in fact pay for the majority of the display. However,
today the truth is quite the contrary. John W. left a trust
generating $10,000 each year out of the true total cost of
$45,000 for the display. The rest of that money is
generated by public donations, t-shirt sales, luminaries,
golf outings and poker runs all organized and worked by
volunteers for BLASST - Buckeye Lake Area Star Spangled
Tradition. NO ONE gets paid for their volunteer hours.
These volunteers not only donate their time but also donate
money and talents to this tri-county community event.
We,
"the worker bees" feel we are working for this whole
community regardless if you donate or not. We welcome all
input or suggestions on anything and everything we do. We
are also looking for ideas on how to expand out mailing list
or to generate more diverse ways of collecting funds. Our
request for donation mailing list has only 563 names out of
the hundreds of thousands who watch each year. So far we
have avoided accepting big sponsors like "Red, White and
Boom" to control the growth. We are funded only by small
business and individuals in the tri-county community. We
haven't tried to solicit funds by standing in the parks on
the day of the display. The fact is we don't have the
time. However, even if we had the time, this is the day we
try to enjoy the fruits of our labor. We believe we
have earned it.
If you will, please take the time to
drop write a check and with your donation ask any questions
you might have.
The
BLASST board and volunteers thank you in advance for your
patriotism and generous donation. We hope you believe your
investment in our community and this (50 year plus)
tradition is worthwhile. Your contributions are tax
deductible. Please send your checks to:
BLASST
13284 West Bank Rd.
Millersport Ohio 43046
Thank you!
Co-Chair
Victoria Wolfe - 928-4446
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Big Band Boom and Happy Independence Day,
Dear BLASST Supporters:
First let me thank you for your generous past support. Our annual celebration is truly a community effort. We don’t have government or corporate sponsors. The key is our individual and small business contributors. Our contributor base is rather small – some 687 at the last count – but thanks to you we have one of the best fireworks displays in Ohio.
Some still believe that the BLASST is a Wolfe family tradition that is funded by family funds. While we do receive an annual contribution from a trust fund set up by my father, our show depends on your individual contributions. It’s your show!
I wish we could broaden the base of our donors since thousands enjoy our show every year. But short of standing in the park with a tin cup in hand, I find myself again turning to our loyal and generous supporters.
It’s hard to ask for donations in this economy. Many of us have been hit hard and your focus is on self preservation. That’s understandable and I hope you’ll help us out again when things improve. I have no expectations for this year. Frankly, I never have had specific expectations – you simply amaze me with your generosity.
I held off giving a commitment to our fireworks company as long as possible. We are shooting for a $30,000 show, which is down from the recent averages of about $50,000 a year. It will still be a great show and we can always add to the contract with Hamburg Fireworks Company if more money comes in. Donate what you can, it’s all good.
It’s our SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN & VETERANS that keeps me donating my time and money for this tradition. . It is the SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN & VETERANS, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN & VETERANS, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN & VETERANS, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN & VETERANS, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN & VETERANS, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the SERVICE MEN AND WOMEN & VETERANS, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
May God bless them and may God bless you. Thank you!
Victoria Wolfe
P.S. Donations to BLASST are tax-deductible charitable contributions.
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BLASST Coordinators: Victoria Wolfe 740-928-4446 Marnita Swickard 614-419-0478
