From MLive.com:
GRAND RAPIDS — The skies over downtown will be lit up the American
way on the Fourth of July, thanks to a lead gift from Amway Corp.
The Ada-based direct sales company this morning announced plans to sponsor the 2009 July 4 Family Fireworks.
The sponsorship contribution was made in conjunction with Amway's
50th anniversary celebration, which kicks off next week when more than
1,000 top executives and distributors from around the world arrive in
Grand Rapids for five days of festivities.
"Ever since our company was founded 50 years ago, we've been proud
to invest in, and give back to, our hometown," said Amway Chairman
Steve Van Andel. "It's a big deal when we cannot only celebrate our
birthday, but also help Grand Rapids celebrate our nation's birthday at
the same time."
The Independence Day display has taken place along the Grand River since 1982, but city budget cuts and sponsorship issues have put the show at risk in recent years.
Sponsorship dollars have been critical to the display since 2006, when city funds dried up.Centennial Wireless,
which is being acquired by AT&T, stepped in to cover the fireworks
for the past three years. With the acquisition in progress, Centennial
bowed out this year, leaving organizers a brief window to raise the
$50,000 needed to go on with the show.
Amway already had stepped forward, along with Spartan Stores Inc.and Grand Rapids First Church, to contribute the initial $25,000. The exact amount of Amway's cash commitment was not disclosed.
Very patriotic and co-memorable of Amway to donate to the fireworks display. I guess it doesn't hurt either that it advertises and markets the company very well. It shows the stability of the company as they are celebrating 50 years of business. I wouldn't be at all surprised if (after this news story) more people in Grand Rapids sign up to Amway distributors.