American Pyrotechnics

Safety & Education Foundation

 

 

        Smoke Signals 

          Fireworks Safety & Education News

    April 2018

Kevin Gilfillan, President
Jason Trout, Vice President
Herb Chan, Secretary

Kurt Cowgill, Treasurer

Please take a few minutes to read this update on the recent and upcoming efforts of the APA's Safety & Education Foundation, activities made possible through the generous donations of our supporters

Foundation Friends Kick Up Their Heels  

This past February, attendees to APA's Winter Education Conference had the chance to hit the dance floor and support the Safety & Education Foundation at the same time. Thanks to Phantom Fireworks, nearly 200 industry colleagues enjoyed a lively after dinner party at Losers Most Wanted Bar in the MGM complex. Nearly $5,000 was raised to help ensure that the Foundation's safety message continues to be shared among youth educators and the public at large.

We extend our appreciation to all who have donated to the Foundation, with a special shout out to our logo sponsors. Learn more about the Foundation's accomplishments and goals for 2018 here and please consider lending your support by completing the pledge form and returning it to [email protected]

                

Spreading the Foundation's Safety Message   

This past March, Foundation advisor Inez Tenenbaum and Executive Director Julie Heckman, exhibited at the National Afterschool Association's (NAA) conference in Atlanta, promoting the APA's Safety & Education Foundation's curriculum. The NAA is a membership association for professionals who work with youth in diverse school and community-based settings, providing them a wide variety of extended learning opportunities and care during out-of-school hours.

In the Bag for Safety!  

As you prepare for July 4th, please remember that retail plastic shopping bags with the Foundation's safety tips are available through Pyro Novelties. The company has generously offered to make a $1 donation to the Foundation for every case of bags sold and we are most grateful to owner Katherine Guccione for this support.

Individual cases can be purchased for $45.99 each via their retail online store at this link.

Wholesale cases can be purchased for $34.99 each either via their wholesale online store or by phone at 800-552-3499 (minimum $250 order required to purchase at wholesale prices)

Board Changes

We're pleased to announce that Kevin Gilfillan, Pyro Spectaculars has been named Foundation President, having previously served as Vice President since the Foundation's inception. Jason Trout, TNT Fireworks was elected to fill the position of Vice President. Herb Chan, United Pyrotechnics and Kurt Cowgill, North Central Industries will remain in their current positions as Secretary and Treasurer for another year.

We also welcome new Board member Jessica Moore, Phantom Fireworks. A complete listing of the Foundation Board may be found here.

Whitman Publishing Donation   

We wish to publically acknowledge and thank Whitman Publishing for their generous donation of $15,000 to support the Foundation's programs. This donation was made possible through proceeds realized from sales the book BOOM!  by Dr. John Conkling; a chronologic history of
the U.S. fireworks industry

Foundation Website: www.celebratesafely.org

Remember, a host of downloadable educational & safety resources are available free of charge thru the Foundation's website. Be sure to feature a link to www.celebratesafely.org on your company's website so that your customers and the general public can easily learn more about fireworks and celebrating safely.  

APSEF | 7910 Woodmont Ave., Suite 1220 | Bethesda, MD  20814