Tom Douglas, Microsoft & Starbucks to the Rescue!

Editor’s Note: Nick Perry at The Seattle Times reports that Microsoft and Starbucks have each pledged $125,000 toward saving the Independence Day fireworks show at Lake Union.

Look to the sky! It’s a bird, it’s a plane…. No, it’s local restaurateur Tom Douglas saving the annual Lake Union Fourth of July Fireworks show. In an effort to keep the city’s last remaining summer fireworks show–formerly sponsored by Washington Mutual (Chase Bank only agreed to sponsor the show for one year)–alive, Douglas has kick started a move to reinstate the fireworks show. The chef, who is prepping to open a new restaurant in South Lake Union, announced Thursday on the Dave Ross radio show that he would  pledge $5,000 pledge toward the SoLU fireworks display. Since then, several dozen business owners have followed suit, raising more than $60,000 toward a $500,000 goal. Other business owners who would like to donate to the cause are asked to call or email Ross’ show. (888.973.5476; savethe4th@mynorthwest.com)

-Jamie Trudel