Would you sponsor New Year's Eve fireworks?

[wrtiii]

I am never in Negril for New Year's Eve, but I have a friend who always is and we are both licensed fireworks manufacturers. We've spoken with Alfred several times about the NYE fireworks he has done on the Negril beach in prior years. The cost of the fireworks is too much for him to handle alone, and he has never been successful in getting other businesses to contribute. That's why there were not fireworks last year. In case you aren't aware, fireworks events of that size run several thousand dollars.

I was wondering whether there are enough willing boardies to actually help support the fireworks display. I'm thinking along the lines of a $100. contribution. This is in line with what many municipal displays collect for "VIP seating". Maybe Alfred could do something special to reward his sponsors, such as have T-shirts made up and each person to send that amount gets a T-shirt, and maybe free drinks or something to anyone wearing the T-shirt NYE.

Note that this is just me sounding people out an idea, this has not yet been proposed to Alfred and won't be unless I think I have a shot of making it happen. And I'm doing this just because in general I'm in favor of fireworks. If 20 or more people say they'd kick in the money, then I'd attempt to move forward with it. It may be too late for this year in any event.

[rvrrunner]

I'd be in for that.

[VVHT]

Good idea!

I'll never forget the Millenium Fireworks Display at Alfreds on 12/31/2000!

Enjoy,

VVHT

[Guirigay]

Nice idea! I love fireworks, normally drop 3 or 4 bills on my own show on the 4th. Can't commit to it just yet as I'm unsure of group plans for NYE but I'm gonna run this by some folks...

[Nancy Marie]

You can count us in. We've enjoyed Alfred's New Years Eve fireworks for a lot of years and were disappointed last year when he was unable to put on the show. We are long time members of the Pyrotechnics Guild International so we love a good fireworks display. 4th of July is better than Christmas to my husband.

[patty_k]

I think that there are many who would contribute, but 100$ will be steep for many small businesses in Negril ( particularly off season when you will need to collect the money) I know that even though we are on the West end (Canoe Bar) we enjoy the display and would love to contribute. I also think that you need to create a secure way to verify the collection and use of contributions, as there have been many and frequent scams and misuse of charitable funds in the past, not saying this is the case, but should be a consideration. Please keep us posted.

[Bnewb]

I think that there are many who would contribute, but 100$ will be steep for many small businesses in Negril ( particularly off season when you will need to collect the money) I know that even though we are on the West end (Canoe Bar) we enjoy the display and would love to contribute. I also think that you need to create a secure way to verify the collection and use of contributions, as there have been many and frequent scams and misuse of charitable funds in the past, not saying this is the case, but should be a consideration. Please keep us posted.

Yes...very well stated...Patty!

Before any more ideas get thrown around & anybody gives anyone money...Rob will be talking to Alfred & the business community very shortly.
Personally, I think this should really be handled on a local level...but Rob will let you all know soon....

[booger]

Keep me posted as I would contribute if I had a secure way to do so as Patty has said.

[Angel]

wrtiii nice thought at least you put it out there. Maybe go about it differently so you get the credit for it.

[wrtiii]

If it can be handled on a local level, fine. However, I do understand that even $100. is a lot for Negril businesses in the off season, that's why I came up with this idea. As Nancy Marie will attest, those of us in the PGI turn thousands of dollars into smoke and memories every year.

And of course I know about scams, and that there would be a credibility issue as for anything new. Note that I did not ask for money, just for an expression of interest to gauge whether the idea might be viable. I actually deal with this all the time (getting donations to support fireworks displays). Alfred would need to order the fireworks from a licensed explosives importer, who would be able to provide an itemized invoice. Fireworks are easy in a way because you can't divert them to other purposes, resell them or just stash them, as they are federally controlled - more tightly in Jamaica than in the US.

Bnewbie, do let us know what Rob finds from Alfred and the business community.