The Mercer Island Community Fund, Mercer Island’s 25-year-old community-based public charity, is offering $10,000 in matching contributions to save the Mercer Island Fireworks that are held annually during Summer Celebration! The MICF will match donations of any size from community members or sponsors for a total of up to $10,000.

“We are so pleased that the Mercer Island Community Fund has stepped up with this generous challenge,” said mayor Jim Pearman. “Mercer Islanders are so generous; I just know the community will accept the challenge, come through with donations, and keep alive this Mercer Island tradition that so many of our residents and families look forward to each year.”

Traditionally held on Saturday evening during Summer Celebration!, (this year on July 9), the Luther Burbank fireworks are set off from a barge in Lake Washington. Over 7,000 to 8,000 attendees watch from the 77-acre park at a festival that includes food vendors, picnics, inflatable toys, activities for children, and live entertainment. This year’s event is in jeopardy of being cancelled due to budgetary cutbacks unless $22,850 is raised by the community.

Individual donations or small business donations of any size can be made online at www.micommunityfund.org, by mailing a check to the City of Mercer Island, 2040 84th Avenue S.E., Mercer Island, Wash., 98040, or by dropping off a donation at the Mercer Island Community Center or City Hall.

Business sponsorships of $1,000 or more can be arranged through the City of Mercer Island by contacting the festival director, Amber Britton, at amber.britton@mercergov.org.

Donations from both individuals and business sponsors will be matched by the Mercer Island Community Fund up to a total of $10,000.