Parade goers ante up for fireworks.

This year’s team of canvassers: (L-R) Jim Howell, John Faas, Dan Hoekstra, six members of the Hulburt family, John Graettinger, Margot Graettinger, Michele Dolle, Amy LaBarge and Pete Bush. Not pictured: Sam Morrison.

#OceanaCountyNews  #PentwaterServiceClub  #PentwaterHomecoming2016  

By Ron Beeber. Contributing Writer.

PENTWATER — It’s a real challenge for a chamber of commerce in a small community like Pentwater to raise over $13,000 in voluntary donations each year to pay for two terrific fireworks shows.

Contributed funds are counted by Pentwater Service Club Treasurer Harry Waller, Vice President John Faas, and Amy LaBarge. More than $3,800 was received from generous homecoming parade spectators.

But thanks to generous Homecoming Parade spectators on Aug. 13 and volunteers organized by the Pentwater Service Club who walked the parade route, the Pentwater Chamber met this year’s fundraising goal as more than $3,800 was collected — 57 percent more than what was contributed during the 2015 parade.

“We not only raised the remaining funds needed for this year’s fireworks,” said Chamber Director Eva Gregwer, “but we’ve got a down payment on our fireworks shows in 2017, when we’ll all be celebrating

Pentwater Service Club Treasurer Harry Waller presents Chamber Director Eva Gregwer with a box containing the $3,800 contributed by parade spectators for the fireworks.

Pentwater’s 150th anniversary. The more funds we can raise, the bigger and longer fireworks we can put on. It’s that simple.”

Several years ago, the Service Club decided to literally “step up” to help the Chamber raise funds by fielding a team of volunteers who walk the parade route alongside the Club’s iconic “Bill Duncan Wagon” in a freewill offering of sorts.

“The local news media has been really great in helping get out the word about the need for funds,” said Service Club President Ron Christians.

“I think more people who come to the parade now realize that the only way we can have fireworks is if everyone pitches in to pay for them,” added Gregwer. Other generous supporters choose to contribute by dropping off or mailing checks to the Chamber office, or putting their donations in canisters available in many Pentwater businesses.