The Honda Center and TNT Fireworks have officially announced their plan for a unique Fourth of July fireworks retail “superstore” that will be sited at the Honda Center. Here’s the press release sent out by the Honda Center today:

HONDA CENTER & TNT FIREWORKS OFFICIALLY LAUNCH EXPANSIVE PROGRAM TO BENEFIT ANAHEIM NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS THROUGH FIREWORKS SALES
Exclusive Partnership Allows All Qualified Nonprofit Organizations to Participate
TNT Fireworks Retail Superstore will open June 28 at Honda Center

Anaheim, Calif. (May 12, 2015) – Honda Center and TNT Fireworks announced today a robust charity fundraising program set to benefit all qualified Anaheim-based non-profit groups. Unlike traditional models, the program allows all of the city’s organizations the opportunity to raise considerable funds. Organizations can enroll by simply visiting www.AnaheimFireworks.com.

In addition to the monies each nonprofit raises through fireworks sales, Honda Center has also agreed to donate up to $100,000 to the Anaheim Community Foundation, as well as participate as the title sponsor of the city’s annual July Fourth Fireworks Spectacular at Peralta Park. The venue has teamed with TNT Fireworks, the industry leader of wholesale consumer fireworks in the nation, to be its exclusive fireworks vending partner.

“We are thrilled to be teaming with the best fireworks company in the world on an innovative program that has the ability to benefit any Anaheim-based nonprofit organization,” said Tim Ryan, President and CEO of Honda Center. “Unlike traditional fireworks programs that limit participation, we have found a way to allow nearly every nonprofit program in Anaheim the chance to raise money for their cause, while also adding to our support of the Anaheim Community Foundation and our outstanding hometown fireworks show. In addition to the extensive civic benefits, we’re also excited to become home to the largest selection of fireworks in the entire state of California!”

The Honda Center fireworks location will be open 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM beginning June 28 through July 3 and 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM on July 4. The venue is planning to kick off sales with a special Independence Day themed movie night on Honda Center’s massive outdoor screens located on the venue’s south facing side. The event will be free to the public and officially mark the return of fireworks sales in Anaheim after 29 years.

As the fireworks vendor, TNT Fireworks will not only supply the fireworks, but partner with Honda Center in the management of the retail facility, preseason program, marketing, safety training and security permitting to help ensure success in all aspects of the event.

Each year, TNT works closely with over 2,200 non-profit organizations in California selling Safe and Sane Fireworks, to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable celebration. Their product quality and experience has made them the largest, most reputable and recognizable name in fireworks among consumers and communities.

As the fireworks vendor, TNT Fireworks will not only supply the fireworks, but partner with Honda Center in the management of the retail facility, preseason program, marketing, safety training and security permitting to help ensure success in all aspects of the event.

The city has contracted management of the fireworks sale program to Anaheim Arena Management, which is partnering with TNT. According to AnaheimFireworks.com, this is how it will work:

Although this model limits fireworks sales to one location, it does not limit the amount of nonprofit organizations that can participate in the program. Qualified nonprofit organizations will be given the ability to fundraise by promoting business to the Anaheim Honda Center Fireworks Tent. Under section 6.40.010 of the City of Anaheim’s fireworks ordinance, a “qualified organization” can be defined as the following:

  1. Any tax-exempt charity, non-profit association or other organization organized pursuant to the Internal Revenue Code or the Revenue and Taxation Code of the State of California, or the local chapter of any such organization, that has met all of the following criteria for a continuous period of not less than one full year preceding submittal to the City for approval of the written agreement required pursuant to paragraph “B” of Section 6.40.035 (Safe and Sane Fireworks – Sale) and continues to meet said criteria for the duration of the designated sales period:

    a.   Is in good standing under all applicable laws;
    b. Is organized primarily for veteran, patriotic, welfare, civic or business betterment, religious, athletic, youth or charitable purposes specifically to benefit and/or serve the citizens of the City; and
    c.  Has its principal and permanent meeting place, office or service facility in the City.

  2. A school, as recognized by the State of California, including elementary school, middle school, high school, or college located within the boundaries of the City, or any student group, club or organization of such a school that is officially recognized by the school.

The qualified organization will be given fireworks preseason event flyers to distribute amongst potential fireworks buyers. The fireworks preseason event flyer will be labeled with a specific promotional code for each qualified organization participating in the fireworks program.  All Pre-Season Event Flyers will be presented at Honda Center location exclusively.  30% of all pre-tax sales generated by the qualified organization during the fundraiser event will be donated when a fundraiser flyer is presented.

The only restrictions for non-profit organizations to participate in the Anaheim Pre-Season Program are complying with either #1 or #2 of the “qualified organization” definitions above and applying through Honda Center by June 1, 2015.

This approach has attracted some brickbats from the usual quarters because “only” 30% of the gross revenue sales go to participating Anaheim non-profits. I admit to a sentimental attached to the traditional approach of Boy Scout troops and school booster clubs manning booths sprinkled around the city. But that’s what we’re accustomed to, and a new approach will naturally seem odd.

The superstore approach has certain advantages. Under the traditional model, the number of non-profits applying to operate a fireworks booth always outstrips the actual number of booths. Consequently, most non-profits that want to raise funds via fireworks sales can’t.

The superstore model offers any qualified non-profit that signs up during the enrollment period the opportunity to raise funds.  The more pre-season flyers an group gets into the hands of customers who present them at the point-of-sale, the more money it raises. Groups that hustle benefit; groups that don’t, don’t.

As for the grousing about the 30% of gross revenue sales number – that’s about the same percentage a non-profit keeps when operating its own booth. The difference here is the opportunity to raise funds is open to more groups.

Will it work? The proof will be in the pudding. If it’s a failure, the City Council will likely move to the traditional, familiar model of individual non-profits operating their own booths all over the city. If it works, then more non-profits will have a chance to benefit from the fundraising pie and under system that rewards energy, hustle and community support.