‘Pittsboro is Stronger Together’ shirts to raise money for 4th of July Freedom Celebration
By Lindsay Doty
Longtime Pittsboro resident Keith Gurley is determined to raise money for the 4th of July Pittsboro Freedom Celebration, even in uncertain times.
In June, the 62-year-old can always be spotted on Saturday mornings at the stoplight on Main Street with a donation bucket and smile. Every penny counts.
The 4th of July event, that includes fireworks and a parade, highlights the charm of small-town America on the 4th. Think: kids waving American flags from dad’s shoulders. It’s sponsored by the Hendricks County Young Marines of Pittsboro, a national nonprofit youth education and service program for kids ages 8 through high school.
While some towns have already canceled 4th of July celebrations due to the coronavirus, Gurley is marching on with plans. He recognizes the situation is fluid but is hopeful the community can come together (socially-distant together) to celebrate American.
“I feel, now, more than ever, we need to celebrate. We need to focus on something positive, we need, if only for a day or two, to come together and stand as one nation, said Gurley, unit commander of the Hendricks County Young Marines.
“In my opinion, nothing stirs greater patriotism than the 4th of July. After what we’ve been through, I don’t know how we CANNOT celebrate and give our minds a chance to relax,” he said, referring to the COVID-19 pandemic and political divide.
In alignment with the unity theme, he’s selling t-shirts that read: Pittsboro is Stronger Together. They can be purchased through a link on the Pittsboro Freedom Celebration Facebook page. $20 for a shirt or you can make a donation.
Pittsboro is Stronger Together shirts are being sold to raise money for the annual Pittsboro Freedom Celebration. (Photos provided by Keith Gurley)
As of late May, they’ve raised more than $1,000.
“100% of the proceeds from fundraising go into the celebration, fireworks, bands, etc. We try to add something every year,” he said.
“What we can do really all depends on how we will do raising funds, it usually takes in the $10.000.00 range minimum to put this together.
Due to the economic impact of the virus, he’s behind in fundraising but not giving up.
The 62-year-old who volunteered to head up the event 7 years ago when the Pittsboro Jaycees couldn’t do it anymore. He’s thankful for the community support, from the town donating Scamahorn Park for the event to the local businesses who donate every year.
“This is a community event in every sense of the word.”
While social distancing and other precautions will be a new thing, he’s hoping for the best celebration yet.
You can buy a shirt or donate online https://www.customink.com/fundraising/pittsboro-freedom-celebration/orders/products/new or at several Pittsboro locations, including the State Bank of Lizton, Big Tucks Feed Barn, and Lizton Sunoco.
Fireworks at Scamahorn Park from 2019 Pittsboro Freedom Celebration.