Plea: Make fireworks show boom, not fizzle

RSVP Executive Director Janice Ayres is making a final plea to the community - individuals and businesses alike - for donations to the Nevada Day Fireworks Fund.

As a thank you to firefighters and law enforcement for their work on the Waterfall fire, Ayres is asking for donations to cover the cost of the Nevada Day show - $12,000. They have received $8,300 to date.

"Businesses and the community alike are sitting on our letter," Ayres said.

Letters were mailed to Carson City Area Chamber of Commerce members and individuals requesting donations. All donors will have their names published in an ad in the Nevada Appeal.

It will be the third Nevada Day weekend fireworks show RSVP has offered, in addition to the carnival.

"We thought it was important we show our appreciation to emergency personnel," Ayres said. "So we'll have the fireworks show in their honor, and we have delivered 225 passes for all firefighters, law enforcement and their family to ride the carnival rides for free one day during the carnival. We're disappointed more people haven't responded. And more businesses."

Ayres said at one point, the fire came within a half mile of her home in the Silver Oak subdivision.

"Enough hasn't been said of our sheriff's department. When we were told to evacuate, they didn't just knock on the door and tell us to get out, they offered to help. We were out in 20 minutes, thanks to them."

Ayres cares for her disabled sister.

"On a good day, it would take me a couple of hours to get her ready and out (of the house). I don't think this community understands what a disaster this could have been. They put their lives on the line for us."

"In case those letters are lost in the shuffle, which happens to many of us, I'm asking everyone to please, help us put on a first-class show. RSVP will put up the difference if we fall short, but hopefully we won't have to."

YOU CAN HELP

What: Nevada Day Fireworks Fund

Where: First National Bank, 1101 N. Carson St., 89702; or RSVP office, 501 E. Caroline St., 89701

Contact Rhonda Costa-Landers at rcosta-landers@nevadaappeal.com