BonnerSprings.com

For the second year, Bonner Springs parents are celebrating the Fourth of July by selling fireworks and raising money for their students.

The Project Graduation committee for the graduating class of 2009 has set up a fireworks stand in the parking lot of Thriftway, 112 Oak St., in an effort to raise funds to give Bonner Springs High School seniors a memorable graduation night.

"We just look for things that have potential to make a decent amount of money that doesn't require a lot of manpower," said Kristy Anderson, president of the committee.

The idea for the fireworks stand came from the committee for the class of 2008. One of the parents knew someone who was interested in getting an organization to run one of his stands for a percentage of the profits. Two of the parents from last year's committee are on this year's panel, so Anderson said they decided to give it another shot.

Last year the amount raised was fair, Anderson said, but the location on Kansas Highway 32 as drivers enter Bonner Springs might not have been as visible as needed to make big sales. This year, she said the committee was optimistic it could do better.

"I think the location is great," she said. "I think we'll get a lot more traffic."

The stand opened Tuesday and will stay open into July 4. While the stand is manned 24 hours a day for security reasons, buyers can shop for their fireworks from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Working at the stand will be several parents on the committee as well as many of Class of 2009 members. Anderson said the students bring siblings and friends and usually have fun working at the stand during the day and then often standing guard with an adult throughout the night.

"They have fun doing it," she said. "We always try to involve the students in our fundraisers because it is for them."

The Project Graduation goal each year is to raise about $20,000 to put toward the end-of-the-year party. The class of 2009 has 162 students, Anderson said, which will require a lot of money to feed, treat with gifts and host a safe after-party on graduation night.

Last year's committee raised $26,000 throughout the year, and Anderson said this year's group is hoping for similar success.

In addition to the fireworks stand, the committee plans to run its regular concession stand during race events at the Kansas Speedway. Anderson said it was the biggest job the committee would have to undertake but one with the best payout.

At Tiblow Days in August, Anderson said parents would run a stand selling various items ,and then in September, the group hopes to host a poker run at Kobi's Club and Deli. As football games roll around, the 50-50 fundraiser will start, where spectators can purchase tickets and one winning ticket will split the proceeds with Project Graduation.

The fundraisers mostly take place once the school year starts, Anderson said, because more parents are available to participate. Until then, the focus of the next couple of days is on the fireworks stand, which Anderson said was sure to be a hit with many Bonner Springs residents.

Fireworks safety tips

As the Fourth of July approaches, residents should pay attention to important safety tips for fireworks, such as sparklers that can cause serious burns, or ones with large blasts that can permanently impair vision and hearing.

According to Safe Kids Kansas, the following is recommended when using

fireworks:

¢ Light fireworks only on smooth, flat surfaces and aim them away from buildings, dry leaves, flammable materials and spectators.

¢ Do not try to relight fireworks that malfunction.

¢ Do not carry fireworks in your pocket or hold them close to your face.

¢ Do not modify fireworks or use homemade fireworks.

¢ Keep a phone and water handy, and know first aid for burns. Also, keep a fire extinguisher handy and know how to use it.

¢ Children should be under active supervision - in sight and in reach - at all times.

For more information about fireworks safety and burn prevention, visit usa.safekids.org.