Attleboro Politicians Challenged to Raise $10K for Fireworks Display

Attleboro city councilors and candidates for those offices are competing for more than just a seat in the Council Chambers at City Hall. Councilors and those candidates, along with many community groups in Attleboro, will be donating their time over the next month to a special challenge that will collect money to help fund this year's fireworks display. 

Officials and other local residents will be asking for the community's help beginning May 21 to meet the $10,000 Dunkin' Donuts Politicians Challenge. The payout by Dunkin' Donuts is contingent upon a match of the same amount collected by elected officials during the month-long challenge. The challenge ends June 25.

The challenge's official kickoff will be held during a ceremony at at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, just before the City Council Committee meetings begin. 

"It will go straight to fireworks, but every year we've taken a little bit of it towards the 100-year ceremony account, which has about $14,000 in it," said City Councilor and Challenge Organizer Walter Thibodeau.

Attleboro's Youth Commission is also competing in the challenge and will take part in the fundraising by rotating members of the commission at the the Washington and Pleasant Street branches on May 21, June 4 and June 18, according to Adam Tellier, chairman of the Youth Commission.

"I hope that we do reach our goal so that the Attleboro Fireworks Committee can match or beat the spectacular show put on last year," Tellier said. "The Youth Commission has set its goal to raise $1,200 of that $10,000."

Tellier noted that the Youth Commission, along with many other city officials, will most likely reach that goal, considering the fact that members of the City Council have turned this into a competition.

"The youth commission will be fundraising vigorously to try and come out on top!" he said.

Also competing for the winning title is the Attleboro Republican City Committee. Over the past four years, the Attleboro GOP has asked their members to donate a few hours of their time to help collect money for the city's fireworks display.

The committee's goal is to top $600. Members will collect funds on June 4 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Dunkin Donuts on County Street.  

"The reason we participate is our group believes it is important to do community outreach within the city," Committee Vice Chair Susan Blais said.

Organizer Walter Thibodeau said he is in the process of reaching out to all city politicians and candidates to participate. On Monday, Ronald Churchill, Attleboro mayoral candidate, asked to be added to the list of volunteers participating in the challenge. 

Volunteer Anthony Parziale, a candidate for Attleboro City Council,  said the challenge is a great example of responsible government.

"This program takes the burden off the taxpayers back," Parziale said. "What a great way to celebrate our country's independence with a fireworks display not funded with taxpayer money."

It's not too late for others to join in the effort, according to Thibodeau. Anyone interested in participating is encouraged to contact him at bshop25@aol.com or by calling 508-399-6549.