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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 or about July 4th 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!
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, CEO
P.S.
Donations to BLASST are tax-deductible charitable contributions.
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BLASST CEO: Victoria Wolfe
740-928-4446
