The Southwest Voice

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When a school has “Liberty” in its name and a “Patriot” as its mascot, it only makes sense that fireworks sales would be a large part of its annual fundraising efforts. Make that the largest, if you’re talking about Parents Administrators Teachers Support, or PATS, as the booster club is cleverly acronymed.

“Absolutely it’s our biggest fundraiser of the year,” said John DeFede, PATS vice president. “The Fourth of July is very good for the Liberty Patriots.”

For the 10th year, the support group will raise money for the band of the Northwest area high school. Funds go toward offsetting such expenses as transportation, uniforms, instrument repair and musical scores. This year’s fundraiser is especially important for the organization due to cutbacks within the Kern High School District. That tune is played like a broken record throughout Kern County’s education system, including Bakersfield High School, which has a booth sponsored by its athletic boosters, for lest we forget there’s currently a recession.

This year, the collective, community-minded fingers of PATS and scores of other Bakersfield non-profits in the Northwest and Southwest are crossed in hope that patriotism will prevail over a downturned economy. Working in favor of the community organizations is the July 4 falling on a Friday, which boosts sales of state-approved fireworks over a non-weekend holiday, according  to market leader TNT Fireworks.

“Tradition tends to be recession-proof, and for most Americans, enjoying fireworks on Independence Day is one of the strongest, especially when it’s over a weekend,” said Louis Linney, Central California general manager of American Promotional Events, the wholesale distributor of state-approved TNT fireworks. “Other reasons we predict more families and neighbors will celebrate the holiday together are the general economy and high cost of travel keeping people at home this season.”

In Kern County, nearly 300 non-profits will raise money over three and a half selling days, starting July 1. Exceptions are Delano and Wasco, which follow California’s customary period of June 28 through July 4.

While PATS is peddling Pyropetes, Pink Diamonds and Purple Rain fountains at its TNT stand in the Albertson’s Supermarket parking lot, 13045 Rosedale Highway, Olive Drive Church, 5500 Olive Drive, in the Northwest will try to sell its fair share of fountains, spinners, smoke items and novelties on its own property.

Not to discount the edible efforts of the church’s “Growling Dogs Barbecue Team,” but proceeds from the tri-tip these six cooks grill for the spring fundraiser pale in comparison to funds raised through fireworks.

“This will be the 14th year the church has sold fireworks,” said Kim Coats, administrative assistant and fundraising chair who resides in the Southwest. “We’ve been doing this for so long that our congregants are actually looking forward to this time of year. We have an aggressive presale program with kids going around, and it gives the members and the community an opportunity to support the children. All profits go to the youth department to send kids to camp, several of whom wouldn’t be able to go otherwise because their families can’t afford to send them.”

The youth ministry of Liberty Christian Center in south Bakersfield plans to send children of their own to summer camp with profits from its TNT stand on the southeast corner of White Lane and Buena Vista Road.

“Funds from last year’s sales helped send students to Shaver Lake, where they experienced a great week of jet skiing, tubing, fishing, hiking, relationship building and spiritual teaching,” said Brian Coates, who is chairing the church’s third fireworks fundraiser.

“All the money we raise goes toward youth ministry activities and missionary support, so it does more than help low-income families or those with multiple kids who can use some help sending teens to camp,” Coates said. “But between a choice of going or not going, we prefer to subsidize these families to better the lives of local teenagers.”

The fundraising and Fourth of July spirit also is shared by Bakersfield Southwest Baseball of the Pony League, which is excited about more than just moving from Cal State Bakersfield to new Aera Park on the northeast corner of Stockdale Highway and Jewetta Avenue.

“We’re looking forward to a very successful fundraiser that will help pay for everything from equipment to maintenance to whatever the league needs,” said Shun Yonemitsu, a resident of The Oaks and chair of the group’s fourth fireworks sale. “The money makes it easier to run the league.”

The TNT stand, which benefits the 1,600-strong youth league for players ages 5 to 18, will be located at 6501 White Lane.

Another Southwest group that will brave the heat for four days for a good cause is Coyote Club Amateur Wrestling, which for the 21st year will raise money for Bakersfield College’s wrestling program, Cal State Bakersfield athletic scholarships, CIF Central Section wrestling tournament awards and other grappler causes.

“Keeping youths busy and off the streets, and building their character through a terrific sport called wrestling — that’s what we do,” said Mike Stricker, founding executive board member and current CEO of the amateur wrestling support group.

The Southwest area resident is in his 17th year chairing or co-chairing the organization’s stand, which will again be located at 3500 Panama Lane.

On the subject of building the hearts, minds and bodies of local youth through sports, Bakersfield High Athletic Boosters will set up shop next to the FoodMaxx Supermarket, 6300 White Lane.

To the south, in Arvin, Templo Ebenezer is playing no Ebenezer Scrooge by capitalizing on Independence Day for a better Christmas.

“We’re going to buy children toys for Christmas and provide food for the needy,” said Israel Martinez, who is chairing the church’s second fireworks fundraiser. “Through last year’s sales we were able to help families have great holidays.”

Under-privileged children who may not otherwise participate in the larger and costlier church activities also will benefit from a portion of Templo Ebenezer’s profits made at the TNT stand next to the church at 1200 Mark St.

“Without money made from fireworks, it would be very difficult to provide for the community and kids who do not have the funds to go to camps and conventions,” Martinez said.

A list of stand locations, safety tips and product information are available at: www.tntfireworks.com