2009 Celebration of Light will go ahead as planned; Keg becomes new sponsor

[mr.x]

SaveTheFireworks.ca and the Vancouver Fireworks Festival have worked hard over the past few weeks to save the the Celebration of Light. We are proud to announce today that the 2009 Celebration of Light will go ahead as planned, all thanks to a new sponsor stepping in to save the day. The Keg Restaurants have come forward to bridge the $400,000 shortfall.



http://www.news1130.com/news/local/more.js...311_094347_8720 (http://www.news1130.com/news/local/more.jsp?content=20090311_094347_8720)

http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/C...ishColumbiaHome (http://www.ctvbc.ctv.ca/servlet/an/local/CTVNews/20090311/BC_Fireworks_Story_090310/20090311/?hub=BritishColumbiaHome)

http://news.google.ca/news/url?sa=t&ct...tory%2FNational (http://news.google.ca/news/url?sa=t&ct2=ca%2F0_0_s_0_0_t&usg=AFQjCNHbuzXXu4H5ujsJ9AQQDVU25K8sjg&cid=1313902751&ei=i-O3Sdi-J4bYlQSugKTTAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.theglobeandmail.com%2Fservlet%2Fstory%2FLAC.20090311.BCFIREWORKS11%2FTPStory%2FNational)

[djmk]

awesome news.

one question.... are you telling me a local restaurant chain is putting up the money and the big banks are not?

TD (for example) posted earnings of 712 million last quarter and yet none of these banks can put up $400,000.

rubbish.

i'm eating at the keg

[osirisboy]

nice, everyone should go out and eat at the keg :)

stupid banks

[vanlaw]

awesome news.

one question.... are you telling me a local restaurant chain is putting up the money and the big banks are not?

TD (for example) posted earnings of 712 million last quarter and yet none of these banks can put up $400,000.

rubbish.

i'm eating at the keg

I think the fact that HSBC still appears to be the title sponsor may have had something to do with that. Not too sure any other bank would want to fund an event that has a competitor's name and logo in the title.

[djh]

Great news! Celebration of Steak!!!

Did we need a new thread for this, since we already have a thread about saving the fireworks...?

[johnjimbc]

This is really great news. Go Keg!

[djmk]

I think the fact that HSBC still appears to be the title sponsor may have had something to do with that. Not too sure any other bank would want to fund an event that has a competitor's name and logo in the title.

i did not know that it will be still called "HSBC Celebration of Light".

if this is true, that would make sense

[mr.x]

Great news! Celebration of Steak!!!

Did we need a new thread for this, since we already have a thread about saving the fireworks...?

After all the time mr.x put into this, you won't let him celebrate with a new topic: one that separates the saving from the celebrating? *cries*

http://curiousanimals.net/wp-content/uploads/2008/03/cute-puppy.jpg

[djh]

Sniff...

Well I see you point, it's just we'll end-up with two conversations about the same thing and information having to be posted twice, two threads to monitor to make sure we didn't miss anything, two places to look for updates...blah blah blah.

But congratulations though! Just need to sort out long-term stability

Oh look - somebody said the same thing in the OTHER THREAD :D

[Stingray2004]

Excellent News! Just made my day.:cheers:

I'm gonna celebrate tonight at the Keg! :tup:

[Metro-One]

:D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D :D
Awesome news! I hope they advertise that it has been saved in Seattle and other places so people still know to come and celebrate!

PS, i now think that if we do plan to ride the C-line as a group on opening day, we should finish the event by eating at the Keg downtown ;)

[randito]

I am in montreal now, but we have 2 keg locations here now. I am going to go there this weekend. That is a lot of money for a restaurant to put up and I am really impressed that they are giving back THAT much to the community. It also gives me a chance to drink ceasers! Did you know that it was the keg that invented the ceaser?

[djmk]

It also gives me a chance to drink ceasers! Did you know that it was the keg that invented the ceaser?

:jester: no they didn't.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/dna/h2g2/A3116620

"Although born in Montenegro, Mr Walter Chell was an employee of the thoroughly Canadian Calgary Inn in Calgary, Alberta, when he invented what he dubbed the 'Bloody Caesar' in 1969. Some say he was inspired by the vongole sauce of the Inn's Italian restaurant when he hand-mashed cooked clams, then added tomato juice, Worcestershire Sauce, hot sauce, a slice of lime, vodka, and a stick of celery as a garnish"

[mr.x]

This is basically how it happened:

- news comes out that the fireworks are canceled
- within the hour i start a facebook group pleading people to send letters to their MLA's, city council, and previous sponsors
- within the day, i'm contacted by a friend who wants to go even further than that
- five days after the cancellation announcement, after working nearly 24-hours a day, we finish and launch the SaveTheFireworks.ca website and campaign. We were also able to extend the fireworks order deadline by 8-weeks and previous sponsors were also interested and willing to step in.
- a few days later, we have the Province destroying our credibility as we are not a registered charity even though we never did mention we were a charity. The Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society was also working against us. They took the opportunity to decline our support, and intimidate/obstruct us from our activities. We called in the lawyers.
- about a week later, we met with the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society to work things out. They were very reluctant, it took us a few days for them to change their minds and believe that there was still hope.
- we merged our operations and began looking for big donors and sponsors; the donation drive clearly wasn't working very well, but it served its purpose in a way by creating awareness about the cause. Donations to savethefireworks.ca are declined as they would compromise our attempt to find sponsors.
- the Keg steps in
- today's announcement


Had we been unable to find the $400,000, there were still sponsors willing to give money for one significant display.

[Smooth]

Great news! Job well done mr.x2!

[djmk]

everybody at Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society should be fired and be replaced by mr.X2.

i can not understand why Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society would give up so easily and try to squash a grassroot effort.

[Metro-One]

This is basically how it happened:

- news comes out that the fireworks are canceled
- within the hour i start a facebook group pleading people to send letters to their MLA's, city council, and previous sponsors
- within the day, i'm contacted by a friend who wants to go even further than that
- five days after the cancellation announcement, after working nearly 24-hours a day, we finish and launch the SaveTheFireworks.ca website and campaign. We were also able to extend the fireworks order deadline by 8-weeks and previous sponsors were also interested and willing to step in.
- a few days later, we have the Province destroying our credibility as we are not a registered charity even though we never did mention we were a charity. The Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society was also working against us. They took the opportunity to decline our support, and intimidate/obstruct us from our activities. We called in the lawyers.
- about a week later, we met with the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society to work things out. They were very reluctant, it took us a few days for them to change their minds and believe that there was still hope.
- we merged our operations and began looking for big donors and sponsors; the donation drive clearly wasn't working very well, but it served its purpose in a way by creating awareness about the cause. Donations to savethefireworks.ca are declined as they would compromise our attempt to find sponsors.
- the Keg steps in
- today's announcement


Had we been unable to find the $400,000, there were still sponsors willing to give money for one significant display.


You should contact global and the other news agencies and have them do an indepth story on this entire turn of events. Great Job mr.X2, i think we all owe you a steak.

[usog]

*bows* I think some slimeballs at the province owe you guys an apology.

[mr.x]

I don't care at this point, the fireworks are going ahead...at least for this year. Goal accomplished.

It's possible that the VFFS was simply tired of begging for sponsorship every single year for the last 8 years ever since Benson & Hedges dropped their sponsorship.

And I would please ask you to refrain giving me that much credit, it was a team effort that also includes the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society.

[ckkelley]

This is basically how it happened:

- news comes out that the fireworks are canceled
- within the hour i start a facebook group pleading people to send letters to their MLA's, city council, and previous sponsors
- within the day, i'm contacted by a friend who wants to go even further than that
- five days after the cancellation announcement, after working nearly 24-hours a day, we finish and launch the SaveTheFireworks.ca website and campaign. We were also able to extend the fireworks order deadline by 8-weeks and previous sponsors were also interested and willing to step in.
- a few days later, we have the Province destroying our credibility as we are not a registered charity even though we never did mention we were a charity. The Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society was also working against us. They took the opportunity to decline our support, and intimidate/obstruct us from our activities. We called in the lawyers.
- about a week later, we met with the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society to work things out. They were very reluctant, it took us a few days for them to change their minds and believe that there was still hope.
- we merged our operations and began looking for big donors and sponsors; the donation drive clearly wasn't working very well, but it served its purpose in a way by creating awareness about the cause. Donations to savethefireworks.ca are declined as they would compromise our attempt to find sponsors.
- the Keg steps in
- today's announcement


Had we been unable to find the $400,000, there were still sponsors willing to give money for one significant display.

Wow, even though I'm a nimby/young curmudgeon and I'm not a fan of hooligansim, I'm impressed with your apparently tireless efforts.

Way to go!

[djh]

What X2 said probably explains a LOT to why so many great things die in this city. Too many people working AGAINST the success of projects, because of their own special interests.

My experience in this city is that I have never seen so many groups willing to rally AGAINST any initiative that springs up, no matter how good or bad. Then I learned that the province has a real history of "anti-" protesting - against government injustice, against pollution, against corruption, etc. I think that mentality has carried-over to everything now. There is always an articulate special-interest group that will kill momentum to change things or to improve things. So sad.

Given that, I still see lots of hope. Young people without those drilled-in biases are going to be the people that save this city. X2 - This Keg's On You.
:cheers:

[mr.x]

After the Province's damaging article which included contradictory and negative comments by the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society, it was quite clear that our donation drive wouldn't have a chance at all.

Immediately after the article's publication, it was agreed upon by both parties that we would have a week long media blackout....and we collaborated and merged our efforts after that week.



I should also mention that while the Keg is the most significant sponsor in this new lifeline, there are also two other sponsors: Edgewater Casino and Shore 104 FM Radio.

Not only should you eat at the Keg, you should also gamble your money away at Edgewater and listen to Shore 104 FM. :D

This also means that the syndication music is no longer on Rock 101.



Operational Partner:
- City of Vancouver

Title Sponsor:
- HSBC Bank Canada

Presenting Sponsor:
- Shore FM [new sponsor]

Evening Sponsors:
- London Drugs’ CANADA Night – July 22
- ‘TBA’ SOUTH AFRICA Night – July 25
- The Keg’s UK Night – July 29 [new sponsor]
- Concord Pacific’s CHINA Night – August 1

Corporate Sponsors:
- Tourism Vancouver
- BC Hydro
- Edgewater Casino [new sponsor]
- YVR Airport Authority

Community Sponsors:
- Super Save
- Waste Management
- Radiant Communications


Official news release: http://www.celebration-of-light.com/_pdf/release_2009-03-11_2009_fireworks.pdf

[touraccuracy]

powder keg

[LeftCoaster]

Great news, thanks to all who donated their time to get this great event back on track for this year.

[clooless]

This is excellent news.

Hats off to mr.x and the Vancouver Fireworks Festival Society. Well done.

[djh]

I think we should pay for X2 to go to this - and get the Keg to host it...
(I think he'd like it)
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=44992559537

[EdinVan]

Sniff...

Well I see you point, it's just we'll end-up with two conversations about the same thing and information having to be posted twice, two threads to monitor to make sure we didn't miss anything, two places to look for updates...blah blah blah.

But congratulations though! Just need to sort out long-term stability

Oh look - somebody said the same thing in the OTHER THREAD :D

Ugh, the horror of it all.

[mr.x]

^ no thank you :p , i don't exactly fancy girls.



I can only shake my head at these comments being posted at CTV and Canada.com:

whoa deja vu - doesn't this happen every year? fireworks canceled or close to it, then surprise donor!
I guess it's more like the boy who cried wolf, but truth is this year they were tired of having to beg for sponsors and quit.


Paul
What a waste of money -- use it for the homeless in the city instead.
Classic Vancouver response to anything and everything.



PJ Jehosophat
Oh well, too good to be true, I guess. Was looking forward to some peace and quiet in the West End this year.
Peace and quiet in one of the most densely populated areas north of Mexico?



Jim barry
Like most other west enders I was elated to hear of the death of the fireworks. I'm all for them, but feel they should not occur in the west ends English Bay. How about holding them in Surrey so most of the spectators won't have to skytrain it in. Or maybe we could hold them in Richmond. Tow those barges right down close to the airport so all can see from the various buildings and bridges. Why hold them in the same spot every year. That should be done with the Olympics.
Just...wow. Won't have to SkyTrain in? At the airport???



I too was elated to hear that this annual invasion of the west end had finally come to an end. Now I can look forward to having my neighbourhood used as a huge garbage dump and outdoor toilet again. Thanks, Keg restaurants.



Hold them in Gordon Campbell's front yard.Tell him only 500 people will be there and then have 20,000 show up.Oops sorry Gordon I guess our estimate was incorrest just like your Olympic budget.




Vancouver and district people would COMPLAIN if we had too much sun during the Summer . What a dower lot we have in this province . If you do not like it here and complain about everything and anything then go and live on some island and rust .
Couldn't agree more.




just so everyone knows, I'm not against all the money this event brings into the city. What I'm against is the 300,000 people that invade the west end for this event and use it as their personal garbage dumps and urinals and hoot and holler until 3:00 in the morning. This event does not belong in the most densely populated area in Canada. And to all of those who are for it - how many actually live in the west end and have experienced the insanity? my guess is not too many of you. Let's bring it into your neighbourhoods and see how you likei it
You live in downtown in an area that is one of the most populated in the continent. As well, the event lasts for 4 days and there are 365 days in a year....




Re Fireworks: What about the carbon footprint and all the junk from burnt powder etc falling in the water? And municipal gov dont want us to have a fire in our fireplace for warmth because we might destroy the environment. The million dollars to be spent on this foolish display could better be spent for hungry people at food banks in these tough times.Why not try to help some of the smaller communities in the interior that are in real bad need, instead of everything for the lower mainland's pleasure.