Fireworks Fundraiser More Than Doubles Goal: $11,230 Raised

The fireworks fundraiser earned double plus its $5,000 goal tallying out at a final number of $11,230.

A goal which started with one concerned 26-year-old Ellport man, Eric Rayner, turned into a community wide effort and gained the support of residents and businesses across the Ellwood City area.

“To know that we raised over double what we needed is mind blowing, considering that we didn’t ask any business or groups for donations,” Rayner said. “To see how many business and groups reached out to us, along with all the members of the community who donated and bought shirts truly shows me that this community is a really special place.”

According to Rayner, $7,700 will be spent on the Zambelli display this year. Usually the committee spends $5,000 on the display. He said the show will last about 17-18 minutes.

As part of the fundraiser an exclusive Save the Fireworks design was added to T-shirts and other apparel.

“We are asking everyone who ordered shirts to wear them the last Sunday of the festival. And to the fireworks,” Rayner said “Fireworks will be at 10 p.m.”

Rayner’s drive to step up and make a difference has earned him respect and praise across the community which was proven by his nomination and induction into the Festival’s 2019 Hall of Fame. He plans to continue his good deeds.

“I have joined the festival committee as the parking chair to try to work on mending the issues that caused the loss of the fireworks to begin with,” Rayner said. “I hope to use the platform I built, and the good relationships I’ve made with all party’s involved to help everyone reach a common ground.”

The Festival’s Hall of Fame Induction will take place at 1 p.m. on June 29.

Rayner said souvenir books are available for $2 and feature a story about how the community worked to save the fireworks.

He has said all along that his effort was a selfless journey to keep traditions alive in his hometown so that they can be enjoyed by his son and generations to follow.

“This all started on a Saturday morning in April when I found about the fireworks being canceled and noticed the many people on social media upset by it. I knew I could do something,” Rayner said. “And even after putting out that first video and going through every hurtle and obstacle to start raising the funds, I never ever thought it would take off the way it did. I couldn’t be more grateful to be a born and raised ‘Ellwoodian.’ I love to call this place home”

Besides the drop off donations made to National Grind Coffee Shop, Rayner wanted to recognize the businesses and individuals who made large donations: