Starbucks, Microsoft each offer to chip in $125,000 to help save Seattle fireworks show

Starbucks, Microsoft chip in for Seattle fireworks

SEATTLE — Starbucks Corp. and Microsoft Corp. say they’re each willing to chip in up to $125,000 to match other donations in an effort to save the only remaining major July 4 fireworks show in Seattle.

Restaurateur and chef Tom Douglas started the effort Thursday when he pledged $5,000 and urged other business leaders to help save the show.

KIRO Radio’s Dave Ross said he’d contribute $1,000 of his own money. Charlie’s Produce in Seattle added $10,000, and other Seattle businesses are making pledges as well.

The annual fireworks show draws tens of thousands of people to the shores of Lake Union. One Reel, the nonprofit group that organizes the show, announced Wednesday it wasn’t able to secure a corporate sponsor for this year’s display.

One Reel’s marketing and communications director, Mikhael Mei Williams, now says the show will go on if $500,000 in pledges are raised by next week.