TNT Helps Local Nonprofits Raise Funds

TNT 1For nonprofit organizations, fundraising is a vital component to bring them closer to their goals and visions for the communities they serve. With limited budgets, large demand and a fluctuating economy, many nonprofits are turning to new innovative partnerships to maintain the health of their organization. For thousands of nonprofits, TNT Fireworks provides a lucrative and fun way to raise funds in the summer. In business for over 50 years, TNT Fireworks is the largest distributor of consumer fireworks and novelties. “TNT Fireworks is proud to partner with these two and over 2200 nonprofit organizations throughout 290 cities in California who sell our products as a fund raising activity,” said TNT Vice President John Kelly.

California’s State Fire Marshall permits the sale of “safe and sane” fireworks from June 28 to July 6. Similar to many nonprofits, members of the Boys & Girls Club of the Victor Valley prepare for some of their most productive fundraising during this short summer holiday season. The Victor Valley has one of the highest unemployment rates and welfare areas in the state, where the majority of families rely on lunch assistance programs. The Boys & Girls club is the only youth outreach organization in the area. In 2012, the club provided over 10,000 meals, 17,000 snacks, and 1,250 hours of programming to children in the area.

“TNT sales reps do all the legwork to help nonprofits secure the land to sell their fireworks. This entails dealing with the owners of the land then the county, city and fire officials to get the proper permits and safety issues worked out,” said Mark Sawyer, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of the Victor Valley. “ They teach the nonprofits everything they need to know to sell not only the fireworks, but to run all the necessary marketing campaigns to get donors to buy the fireworks through all the paper work, inventory control  and logistical necessities to make the fundraiser successful.”

TNT 2The Cerritos Rod and Gun Club also benefits from TNT fireworks sales. In 1974, residents founded the club with the purpose of bringing families together to enjoy the outdoors.  The club espouses community service and education as key components of its mission. In addition to promoting and coordinating fishing, hunting, camping, sport shooting, and related outdoor activities, the monthly meetings feature speakers on topics ranging from gun safety to wilderness survival. Additionally, the club provides monetary assistance, goods and manpower to several local organizations. This includes supporting food banks, the Cerritos Special Olympics, the Cerritos High School Girls Softball Team, and providing the City of Artesia’s Parks and Recreation Department with equipment. Perhaps most impressively, the Cerritos Rod and Gun Club hosts the Cerritos Children’s Fishing Derby. The event includes a free pancake breakfast for children and parents, fishing instruction and equipment and an awards ceremony.  Last year’s event served between 1,000 – 1,200 breakfasts and was also supported by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe, his staff, the City of Cerritos, and the California Department of Fish and Game.

“The club depends on profits earned through our fireworks stand fundraiser ran over the 4th of July each year in the city of Artesia to sponsor the many activities we offer.” said Mike Van Scoy of Cerritos Rod and Gun Club. Our outstanding partnership with the TNT Fireworks Company has made it possible for us to give back to the community in a very meaningful way.”

To learn more about the Boys & Girls Club of the Victor Valley, visit their website: http://www.bgcvv.org/

The Cerritos Rod & Gun Club meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 7 pm at Heritage Park in Cerritos. For more information, visit the club’s website: http://cerritosrodgunclub.org/