Written by Bruce Whichard
Let’s all consider donating to a great cause! The Lake McWain fireworks display on the evening of July 4th not only kicks off another fantastic summer on the lake—it also supports a meaningful mission. Every single dollar donated goes directly to a worthy cause.
About seven years ago, Jared Whichard partnered with Matt G Pyrotechnics to put on the first public fireworks show on the lake. While a few people donated money for the display, Jared chose not to use the funds for fireworks. At the time, Jared, along with Arlene and Bruce Whichard, was on the board of Honor Flight Maine—an organization that flies veterans to Washington, DC, so they can visit their memorials. Originally focused on WWII veterans, Honor Flight Maine now also serves Korean and Vietnam War veterans.
In those early years, 100% of the fireworks donations went to Honor Flight Maine, and thanks to the generosity of the Lake McWain community, six Maine veterans were able to visit their memorials in Washington, DC. A powerful way to say thank you.
Three years ago, Jared, Arlene, Bruce, and Matt decided it was time to direct those donations closer to home. They reached out to the Waterford Congregational Church to see if there was a need in the local community. The church introduced them to “Waterford Friends in Need,” a program funded by the church and coordinated with the town. Since then, 100% of fireworks donations have gone to this fund, which helps local residents with things like heating oil, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, and other urgent needs. Another truly great cause.
So, as you enjoy the fireworks show on July 4th—whether you’re on a boat or at the shoreline—please consider donating. Your contribution goes entirely to the Friends in Need fund.
Matt G. Pyrotechnics generously donates all the fireworks, and Jared, Matt, and others volunteer their time and effort to bring you one of the top four fireworks displays in Maine.
To donate, make checks payable to:
Arlene Whichard
PO Box 13
Waterford, ME 04088
Memo line: Fireworks donation – Friends in Need
Or, you can hand-deliver your donation to Arlene at the annual Lake Association meeting at Birch Rock Camp on Saturday, July 13, at 10:00 am.
And don’t worry—it’s never too late to donate. The church is always grateful for support of the Friends in Need fund!
