Firework Stands Using Profits For Good Causes | News

LAS VEGAS -- Hundreds of non-profits around Clark County will wait patiently for the Fourth of July.

Proceeds from fireworks stands around the valley will bring in much-needed dollars for their causes.

However, business has been off and on in the triple digit heat for Chrissie Coon and her fireworks stand, Sunday.

"It started pretty slow so far and I will tell you the people who have come by are definitely some of our loyal customers. There has been a lot of people who came by last year who supported us and have come back again," said Coon.

This is the second year she has raised money for families affected by myotubular myopathy, a rare genetic disorder, also known as MTM.

"MTM is a disorder that my son ultimately passed away from in February in 2009, so in a way this has kind of been his legacy,"

The labor of love is helping her family deal with the tragedy of losing her son, Joey.

Her stand is open 24 hours per day selling approved fireworks.

"We have a lot of buy one get one free deals, there are a lot of new items that some people might be excited to see some of the new items that we have," explained Coon.

There are other stands being operated by worthy causes.

The Metro Police Explorers are raising money near St. Louis, east of Las Vegas Blvd.

"All of our proceeds that we make go to us as explorers to participate in competitions and for our equipment that we need for training to become a police officer," said Anthony Gariano.

For the Explorers, this one week is critical to their yearly funding.

"This is our biggest fundraiser of the year, we do a couple more like car washes but this is our main one that we do," explained Gariano.

For Chrissie, even though business is not as great has she had hoped, it is the support from the community that means the most.

"Last year, so many people came out in this community and supported us it was just so overwhelming to just have that connection with people, and a lot of people just wanted to come out and share their stories with us," said Coon.

Vendors said business was likely down this year, because the Fourth of July falls on a Wednesday.

In 2011, the Police Explorers raised $9,000 for their organization.