Livingston nonprofit organizations selected to sell fireworks
The Livingston City Council selected five nonprofit organizations to sell fireworks before Fourth of July this year, a highly coveted fundraiser that several groups compete for each year.
The City Council gave itself the authority to select two “discretionary” picks while the rest of the organizations are placed in a random lottery. The council picked the 4th of July Committee and Livingston Youth Football for the discretionary spots.
The two discretionary picks were chosen by the council after groups submitted letters explaining why they are the best choice for those two spots. Councilman Jim Soria is a coach for youth football and excluded himself from discussions.
The remaining nonprofit organizations picked through a random lottery were the LHS Band Boosters, Carlos Vieira Foundation and Church of the King. The city only allows five fireworks stands, and eight groups applied for the spots.
The City Council announced the winners during a council meeting last week.
Volunteers for the Livingston 4th of July Committee say selling fireworks is one of their biggest fundraisers each year.
The committee came up short by $4,500 last year after growing its annual fireworks show and festival. Having a booth to sell fireworks would have helped make up the difference, said chairman Julio Valadez.
Three organizations were not selected to run a fireworks stand: The Family Center, Livingston Police Foundation and the Knights of Columbus, according to Recreation Superintendent Jacquelyn Benoit.
Police Chief Ruben Chavez said the Livingston Police Foundation will look at other ways to raise money, including an event on Cesar Chavez Day next week. The foundation funds various services for the Police Department, such as the narcotics canine program and its mounted patrol.
“The foundation helps us fund community programs without relying on taxpayer dollars and the general fund,” Chavez said. “It’s just the luck of the draw, but I’m looking at other options to raise funds and we have some good ideas.”
Sun-Star staff writer Ramona Giwargis can be reached at (209) 385-2477 or rgiwargis@mercedsunstar.com. Follow her on Twitter @RamonaGiwargis.
This story was originally published March 23, 2015 at 7:50 PM with the headline "Livingston nonprofit organizations selected to sell fireworks."