An answer to our question

For some time now LAAG has posed the question: What to "civic groups" do to raise money in cities like Long Beach (the majority in CA) that have outlawed the sale of safe and sane fireworks? Well the story below is one answer. A golf tournament. Also then raised over 100,000 in donations. But I guess selling smoke and fire (also enriching the Chinese fireworks factories) is a more "environmentally friendly" way to raise quick cash. I think the problem we have with the economy right now is people trying to raise funds "the quick and easy way".

We post this story for the benefit of all the more enlightened cities (or rather city councils) out there battling the fireworks money/lobbyists and the civic groups who cry about not being able to raise the money via "bake sales" to replace the toxic fireworks sales. It can be done, but of course fireworks is the "quick and dirty" way to do it. Again, like selling crack, which another quick and easy way to make to make big profits.


L.B. Kiwanians raise $50,000 for campers
By Pamela Hale-Burns, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 07/26/2008 09:33:26 PM PDT

LONG BEACH - A $50,000 check from Kiwanis Club of Long Beach, made out to the Send-A-Kid-To-Camp program, has been presented to Press-Telegram Executive Editor Rich Archbold and columnist Tom Hennessy.

Founded in 1915, Kiwanis International is an organization of service clubs headquartered in Indianapolis that emphasizes service to children and youth.

"The Kiwanis' mission is to essentially change the world one child and one community at a time," Long Beach Kiwanis President Bob Reilly said at the Tuesday luncheon where the check was presented. "I think if we don't take care of our children our future's going to look pretty dim."

Reilly encourages others to contribute to the youths in their community.

"If there's anything society can do it is take care of our children. Give them hope and educate them," he said.

Each year, proceeds from the club's annual golf tournament reach the $50,000 goal, but they hope to give more this year.

"We give as often as we can," Reilly said. "We would like to try and increase that this year to $60,000."

Hopes for campers

"We hope that for each child it's a life-changing experience for them," Reilly said. "Many of the kids we send to camp have never been to camp and many of the kids we send, even in Long Beach, have never seen the ocean that they live four to five miles from."

Every little bit helps, said Reilly.

"If you just get kids to do happy things for one week it's something they will never forget," he said.

"There's a famous person who once said `Suffer the little children,'... if there is any reason to take care of children, I'd think that would be one."

Kiwanis' Golf Tournament 2008 will be Oct. 27 at the Old Ranch Country Club, 3901 Lampson Ave., Seal Beach. It is open to the public. Entry fees are $250 per person. All proceeds are given to Send-A-Kid-

To-Camp. For information, call 562-495-3193.

Including the Kiwanis donation, $102,680 has been raised so far this year by 457 donors to help send kids to camp.

pam.hale@presstelegram.com, 562-499-1476

Lakewood Accountability Action Group™ LAAG | www.LAAG.us | Lakewood, CA
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