Love the 4th of July? Help Keep it Going Strong in Glenview

Years before Glenview State Bank Executive Vice President David Kreiman had V.P. in his title, he put himself into a role that benefits 50,000 people every year. Kreiman is on Glenview’s 4th of July Committee.

“It’s hard work,” said Krieman, “but when I’m sitting at Gallery Park, listening to the announcements before the fireworks show and they call out the names of those on the committee, I feel a sense of pride knowing we did that!”

The primary role of the 4th of July Committee is to raise money and its members do an incredible job! This year, $100,000 was needed to put on all the festivities of the day – from the colorfully patriotic parade to the incredible fireworks display – donations paid for the events 100 percent.

Collecting money has changed over time. Kreiman said they used to send out a direct mail piece with a return envelope to every household in Glenview, which didn’t always prove to be cost effective. Today, the group works year-round and does a lot through social media and with online donations. And a new idea was formed last year that saw much success and will definitely be back. It’s the 50-50 Raffle.

Applications are now available through the Glenview Park District for new members.

“Ideally we want people who live or work in Glenview, who has connections in the community and isn’t afraid to ask for money. Loving the 4th of July holiday is also a benefit because those are the people who want to make it as good as possible,” said Kreiman.

Kreiman said his fellow committee members approach fundraising in their own ways. One person loves to go door to door, reaching out face to face. Others prefer a letter- writing campaign or emails. And others go to chamber meetings and make pitches there. Some of what they’re selling – the fact that Glenview is one of the few communities that “que up” fireworks to music. The 2019 fireworks show was a 25 minute show, consisting of 13 different song titles.

Kreiman joined the committee because Glenview State Bank is such a large part of the day, typically donating 20% of all necessary funds. The bank is the Twilight Fireworks sponsor and acts as a leader in the community to encourage business support of this community event. But, Kreiman stayed with it because, “It’s a fun group of people who all really like the 4th of July. It’s a way to connect with the community, and it’s challenging. The time commitment is doable. Meetings are held once a month, and prior to the 4th, we attend some community events where we solicit for donations.

The 4th of July Committee does do other things besides fundraising such as holding meetings to discuss the previous 4th of July events in Glenview – and asking important questions to each other such as, “Should anything change with regard to the parade? Was the parade too long or too short? Did we provide enough porta potties? How was the band? How was the DJ? What did you like or not like about the fireworks? And, let’s look at safety. Any concerns?”

Those recommendations are handed over to Glenview Park District staff which oversee the logistics of the day.

The Glenview Park District board is expected to officially choose the 2020 4th of July Committee members at the December meeting.