July 4 Fireworks Saved in New Rochelle with $50,000 Donation

A Main Street organization's $50,000 contribution put New Rochelle in a position to allow the city to stage its annual fireworks celebration July 4.

The donation was given by Guru Madeleine, founder and president of the S.E.L.F.-Help Foundation, Inc., which runs .

"The donation was given out of respect for America and love for New Rochelle," Madeleine said in a prepared statement. "In keeping with our mission statement, it is up to us as individual citizens to show we care and participate as vibrant members on every level.

"This gift was an opportunity to put our faith into action," she said.

Through S.E.L.F., or Sane Enlightened Life Force, Madeleine, whose name was legally changed from Madeleine Peters, helps her students learn meditation and telepathy. Currently the Corner also utilizes The New School of Learning, a program designed to reach one's divine self.

The city needed about $75,000 for the "Spark the Sound" Independence Day Fireworks Display, which will be presented by the famed Grucci family. Funding for the Memorial Day and Thanksgiving parades was almost complete, but the city came up short for the July 4 event.

Madeleine said she gave $50,000 to the city, which, combined with those of other donors, helped pay for the fireworks. 

Mayor Noam Bramson offered thanks on behalf of the community.

"The exceptional generosity of this donation, along with support from others," he said, "will permit thousands of families to once again observe our nation's founding with a terrific celebration."

The fireworks will begin at 9:30 p.m. July 4, rain or shine. They can be seen from waterfront parks, especially Hudson Beach Park and Five Islands.

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