Big Donors Helped Fund The July 4 Fireworks

With under a week to go and about $14,000 raised, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce still had a lot of ground to cover before the Fourth of July Stars Over Montauk Grucci fireworks show.

Between June 23 and June 29, it nearly doubled its money, from $7,978 to about $14,000, thanks to the donations of 27 local supporters, including Gosman’s restaurant and the Royal Atlantic Beach Resort. Even with this influx of generosity, though, the chamber was roughly $10,000 short. 

The difference was closed on June 30 by Drew Doscher, co-owner of the popular beachfront restaurant and nightspot the Sloppy Tuna. With his contribution of $10,000, Mr. Doscher received the status of a “diamond donor” as well as the gratitude of the chamber, and not for the first time. According to Laraine Creegan, the chamber’s executive director, the Montauk businessman donated the same amount in 2012 and 2013.

Last summer, a year in which Mr. Doscher’s support was absent, funding only reached $10,819, not even half of what the show costs the chamber. The chamber had to account for the $14,000 balance with money from its treasury, causing the organization to warn that 2015 might have been the last year for spectators to witness these stars soar over Umbrella Beach.

When asked if the chamber will hold the 19th annual Stars Over Montauk next year, Ms. Creegan said, “There’s no guarantee. We’re planning to; let’s put it that way.” Without the continued support of the local community, the tradition could still see its final year in the near future.